TenancyVault

Which Certificates Do I Need? — Landlord Compliance Checker

England Reviewed: 14 June 2026 Free tool
Getting started Certificates Compliance
Which Certificates Do I Need?

Tell us about your property and tenancy. We'll build a tailored list of the documents you need to be compliant in England.

About your property

Working out exactly which certificates and documents you need can be confusing — the list changes depending on whether the property has gas, how it’s furnished, and whether you’re starting a brand-new tenancy. This checker builds a tailored list for England based on your answers, with a link to a plain-English guide for each item.

It covers the core legal documents: EPC, EICR, gas safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection, the How to Rent guide, Right to Rent checks and more. Use it as a starting point, then save your certificates into TenancyVault to track renewal dates and keep dated proof that you served each document to your tenant.

Frequently asked questions

What certificates does a landlord legally need in England?

Most private tenancies in England need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC, rating E or above), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR, every 5 years), working smoke alarms on every storey, and — where there is gas — an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12). If you take a deposit you must protect it and serve the Prescribed Information, and at the start of a new tenancy you must serve the How to Rent guide and complete Right to Rent checks. A legionella risk assessment is also expected.

How often do landlord certificates need renewing?

Gas safety is annual, an EICR lasts 5 years, and an EPC is valid for 10 years. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be tested at the start of each new tenancy. Deposit protection and the Prescribed Information are required within 30 days of taking the deposit.

Do I need a gas safety certificate if there is no gas?

No. A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is only required where the property has a gas supply or gas appliances. If there is no gas, you do not need one — but you still need your electrical, EPC and alarm obligations covered.

When do I give these documents to the tenant?

Give the EPC, gas safety record and EICR to the tenant before or at the start of the tenancy (the gas record within 28 days of the check). Serve the current How to Rent guide and the deposit Prescribed Information at the start of the tenancy, and keep dated proof that you served each one.

What happens if I do not have the right certificates?

You can face fines and, in some cases, criminal penalties — and missing documents (such as gas safety, EPC, How to Rent or deposit protection) can invalidate a notice to end the tenancy. Keeping certificates current and being able to prove you served them protects both your tenant and your ability to regain possession.

Save your result into TenancyVault

Saving into TenancyVault means you get:

  • Automatic email reminders before certificates expire
  • Secure document vault for all your compliance evidence
  • Basic timestamped proof log for compliance evidence
  • One-click compliance pack export on Solo and above

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Disclaimer: TenancyVault helps you track deadlines and organise evidence. It does not provide legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.