Ensure your rental property complies with legal requirements before tenants move in. Learn about essential certificates needed in England, Wales, and Scotland, including EPC, EICR, Gas Safety Record, and Legionella Risk Assessment.
Before a new tenancy begins, both landlords and tenants have important documents to prepare. Landlords must ensure the property meets legal safety requirements, while tenants should have the necessary documents in place before moving in.
In England, Wales, and Scotland, landlords must provide specific certificates to comply with legal regulations and ensure tenant safety.
For Rental Properties in England and Wales:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): This certificate provides a rating of your property’s energy efficiency and helps tenants understand potential energy costs.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): This report ensures that the electrical installations in your property are safe and up to standard.
- Gas Safety Record: Issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer, this record certifies that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in your property are safe to use.
For Rental Properties in Scotland:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Similar to England and Wales, this certificate is required for energy efficiency assessment.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Ensures electrical safety and compliance.
- Gas Safety Record: Confirms the safety of gas installations.
- Legionella Risk Assessment: This assessment identifies and mitigates the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems, ensuring the health and safety of your tenants.
Other Key Documents for Landlords
‘How to Rent’ Guide (England Only): A legal requirement that must be provided to tenants at the start of a tenancy.
Right to Rent Check (England Only): Landlords must verify that all tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK.
Deposit Protection Information: If a deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme, with prescribed information given to tenants.
For Tenants:
Documents & Insurance Before Moving In
Before moving into a rental property, tenants should have key documents and insurance in place:
Proof of Identity & Right to Rent (England Only): Passport, visa, or other legal documentation to confirm identity and eligibility to rent.
Tenancy Agreement: A signed contract outlining rights, responsibilities, rent terms, and duration.
Tenant Insurance: While landlords insure the building, tenants are responsible for their own belongings. Contents insurance protects against theft, fire, and accidental damage.
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Key Actions for Landlords:
- Provide Valid Certificates: Tenants must be shown valid copies of all required certificates before the tenancy begins. This ensures they are fully informed about the property’s safety and compliance status.
- EPC Visibility: The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can be viewed directly from the property’s advert listing, giving prospective tenants immediate access to energy efficiency information.
- Upload Documents: Use the Documents section of your dashboard to upload your Gas Safety Record, EICR, and other relevant certificates. This keeps everything organised and easily accessible.
- Tenant Access: Tenants can view these uploaded documents at any time from their dashboard, providing transparency and convenience.
Final Checks Before Move-In
By ensuring all required certificates and documents are in place, landlords stay compliant, and tenants move in with confidence. A well-prepared tenancy agreement benefits both parties by setting clear expectations from day one.
If you have any questions, need help with compliance, or want to discuss your insurance options, get in touch with our support team.