Introduction: Why Certificates Matter
As a landlord in the UK, staying on top of your property certificates is not optional — it is a legal requirement. The penalties for non-compliance range from civil fines to criminal prosecution, and the consequences for your tenants if things go wrong can be devastating.
This guide explains every certificate you need, what it involves, how long it lasts, what it costs, and what happens if you do not have it.
1. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
What it is
A CP12 is the record of an annual gas safety inspection carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It verifies that all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in the property are safe to use.
Who needs it
Any landlord whose property has gas appliances — boiler, gas fire, gas cooker, or hob.
How often
Every 12 months, without exception.
What it covers
- All gas appliances and their operation
- Gas pipework throughout the property
- Flues and ventilation arrangements
- Carbon monoxide and gas pressure testing
Cost
From £60+VAT for up to 2 appliances; £6 per additional appliance.
Penalty for non-compliance
Criminal prosecution. Fines up to £6,000 per appliance, up to 6 months imprisonment. Invalid insurance. Inability to serve possession notices.
2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
What it is
An EICR is a thorough inspection of the fixed electrical installation in a property — the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and earthing arrangements.
Who needs it
All private rented properties in England. Required since 2020.
How often
Every 5 years, or sooner if the report recommends it.
What it covers
- Consumer unit and circuit breakers
- All fixed wiring throughout the property
- Earthing and bonding
- Sockets, switches, and fixed light fittings
Cost
From £140+VAT for up to 3 bedrooms; £11 per additional bedroom.
Penalty for non-compliance
Financial penalty up to £30,000 per breach. Local authority can arrange work and charge the cost to the landlord. Cannot serve valid possession notices.
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
What it is
An EPC rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also includes recommendations for how the property's rating could be improved.
Who needs it
All rental properties. Required before marketing a property for rent.
How often
Valid for 10 years. A new one is needed before you can market the property again once the current one expires.
What it covers
- Wall, roof, and floor insulation
- Windows and doors
- Heating system type and controls
- Hot water cylinder and pipework
- Lighting (energy efficient lamps)
Minimum standard
Properties must be rated E or above to be legally let. F and G rated properties require a valid exemption. There is a government proposal to raise the minimum to C by 2028–2030.
Cost
From £60+VAT for up to 3 bedrooms; £5 per additional bedroom.
Penalty for non-compliance
Financial penalty up to £5,000 per breach.
4. Boiler Service
What it is
An annual service of the gas boiler by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This involves cleaning and inspecting the internal components, checking the flue and ventilation, and verifying safe operation.
Who needs it
Not a legal requirement but strongly recommended for all properties with a gas boiler.
How often
Annually. Some manufacturers require annual servicing to maintain the warranty — check your boiler's documentation.
Why it matters
- Maintains boiler efficiency and reduces energy bills
- Extends boiler life and protects manufacturer warranty
- Identifies minor issues before they become expensive breakdowns
- Demonstrates duty of care if a problem occurs during the tenancy
Cost
From £65+VAT. Often bookable as a combined Gas Safety + Boiler Service from £120+VAT.
5. PAT Testing
What it is
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves electrical safety testing of portable electrical appliances — any appliance with a plug. This includes washing machines, fridges, microwaves, kettles, and any other appliance you supply as part of the tenancy.
Who needs it
Not a legal requirement, but strongly recommended for properties where the landlord provides electrical appliances.
How often
Annually, or whenever appliances are changed.
Why it matters
- Demonstrates duty of care for tenant safety
- Provides evidence in the event of a claim or complaint
- Identifies damaged or worn appliances before they become a hazard
Cost
From £50+VAT for up to 15 appliances.
Managing Multiple Certificates Across a Portfolio
If you have more than one or two properties, managing multiple certificates — each with different expiry dates — quickly becomes complex. Missed renewals are not just an admin problem; they are a legal liability.
Symple centralises all of your property compliance in one platform:
- All certificates stored digitally in one place
- Automatic reminders before each certificate expires
- Book any inspection in under a minute
- On-time delivery guaranteed
- Tenant access coordinated for you
Register free and add your properties. We will track everything from there. Get started today.