| Certificate | Frequency | Give to Tenant? | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety Record (CP12) | Annual | Yes, before move-in | Criminal offence |
| EICR | Every 5 years | Yes, before move-in | Up to £30,000 |
| EPC | Every 10 years | Yes, before commitment | Up to £5,000 |
| PAT testing | Recommended 1 to 2 years | No (keep records) | Civil liability |
| Fire Risk Assessment (HMOs) | Annual review | No (keep records) | Prosecution |
| Legionella Risk Assessment | On change of tenancy | No (keep records) | Civil liability |
Gas Safety Record (CP12), the most time-critical
Annual renewal by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The certificate must be given to the tenant before move-in and within 28 days of each annual renewal. Failure is a criminal offence, set a recurring calendar reminder 6 to 8 weeks before the renewal date to book the engineer. Keep records for 2 years.
EICR, every 5 years
Electrical Installation Condition Report by a qualified electrician. Must achieve a 'Satisfactory' rating. Any Code 1 or Code 2 observations must be remedied within 28 days. Give a copy to the tenant before move-in and to any local authority on request. Penalty: up to £30,000. For larger portfolios, stagger EICR renewals across the year to avoid cost spikes.
EPC, every 10 years
Energy Performance Certificate by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. Minimum rating E, F and G rated properties cannot be legally let. Give to prospective tenants before they commit to the tenancy. A C-rating minimum is proposed for new tenancies from 2028. Register exempt properties on the PRS Exemptions Register.
Documents that must be given to tenants
- Gas Safety Record (CP12), before move-in
- EICR, before move-in
- EPC, at the earliest opportunity
- Written statement of key terms, before the tenancy is agreed (the old How to Rent guide was withdrawn in June 2026)
- Deposit prescribed information, within 30 days of receiving the deposit
- Signed tenancy agreement
Our Landlord Compliance Document Pack includes a pre-tenancy document receipt form and deposit prescribed information template. Available in the shop.