If you’re a commercial landlord in the UK, it’s not just about collecting rent each month. You have legal responsibilities — and one of the most important areas is making sure you have the right certificates in place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what certificates commercial landlords need to stay compliant, avoid fines, and provide a safe environment for tenants.
Why Are Certificates Important?
Certificates aren’t just paperwork. They prove you’ve met legal duties for safety and standards. Without them, you risk heavy penalties, legal action, or even having your premises shut down.
Tenants — and sometimes their insurers — may also ask for proof that the property meets safety and environmental standards before signing a lease.
Don’t leave it to chance!
Book your safety inspection with a qualified engineer now.
Key Certificates Commercial Landlords Must Have
Here’s a clear rundown of the essential certificates every commercial landlord in the UK needs:
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC shows how energy-efficient your building is. You must provide an up-to-date EPC when you rent out or sell a commercial property.
- Minimum rating: Since April 2023, most rented commercial properties in England and Wales must meet an EPC rating of E or above. If yours is below this, you may need to make improvements.
- Validity: EPCs last for 10 years.
2. Commercial Gas Safety Certificate
If your property has any gas appliances (like boilers or heaters), you need an annual Gas Safety Certificate from a registered Gas Safe engineer.
- Annual check: Must be done every 12 months.
- Tenant copy: Provide a copy to tenants within 28 days of the check.
3. Commercial Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
Electrical installations in commercial properties must be safe. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is often required:
- Inspection: Recommended every 5 years, but it may depend on the type of premises and use.
- Who can do it: A qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme.
4. Fire Risk Assessment
While not technically a certificate, a Fire Risk Assessment is legally required.
- Written record: If you have 5 or more employees, you must keep a written record.
- Update regularly: Keep it under review, especially if anything changes in the building.
- Fire safety measures: You may also need fire alarm certificates, emergency lighting checks, and extinguishers serviced.
5. Fire Alarm Certificate
If your building has a fire alarm system, it must be regularly tested and certified.
- Inspection frequency: Usually every 6 months.
- Who inspects: A competent fire safety professional.
- Why needed: Confirms your system is working correctly and meets legal standards.
6. Emergency Lighting Certificate
If you have emergency lighting, you need a certificate proving it’s been tested and maintained.
- Inspection frequency: Typically annually.
- Purpose: Ensures lighting will work in an emergency or power cut.
7. Asbestos Management Plan
If your building was built before 2000, you need an asbestos survey and management plan.
Duty to manage: Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, you must identify and manage asbestos risks.
Keep records: Provide the plan to anyone carrying out work on the property.
8. Legionella Risk Assessment
Legionella bacteria can build up in water systems and cause health risks. Landlords must assess this risk.
- Assessment: You must carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment and take steps to control the risk.
- Regular checks: Especially important if water systems are large or complex.
9. Do You Need Any Other Certificates?
Depending on your type of property or tenants, you may also need:
- Lift inspection certificates (if you have lifts).
- Pressure system certificates (for certain boilers or pressure vessels).
- Public liability insurance documents (not a legal certificate but often required in leases).
Summary
To recap, here’s what certificates commercial landlords need in the UK:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Commercial Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
- Commercial Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
- Fire Risk Assessment
- Fire Alarm Certificate
- Emergency Lighting Certificate
- Asbestos Management Plan
- Legionella Risk Assessment
Additional (if applicable)
- Lift inspection certificates
- Pressure system safety certificates (for certain equipment)
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates
- Public liability insurance (usually included in lease)
Staying compliant isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about keeping your property safe, protecting your tenants, and avoiding legal headaches.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve got everything covered, it’s always worth getting professional advice. Remember, as a landlord, the ultimate responsibility falls on you.
FAQs
Yes, if you install a new boiler, you need a Boiler Installation Certificate to confirm it complies with Building Regulations. This applies to both gas and oil boilers. Keep this document for future reference, sales, or inspections.
Yes. An Energy Performance Certificate is required when renting out or selling a commercial property in the UK. The property must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating, which is currently E or above in most cases.
If your commercial property has gas appliances, you must arrange a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) every 12 months. This must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Yes. Every commercial property needs a Fire Risk Assessment. If you employ five or more people, you must keep a written record. You may also need related fire safety certificates, such as fire alarm inspections.
If your property was built before the year 2000, you must assess and manage any asbestos risks. This means having an asbestos survey and keeping an asbestos management plan updated.
Yes. Landlords have a legal duty to assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems. Even small premises need a Legionella Risk Assessment to ensure the safety of the water supply.
Depending on your property, you might also need:
1. Lift inspection certificates (if you have lifts)
2. Pressure system safety certificates (for specific equipment)
3. Public liability insurance documents (usually part of the lease but not a legal certificate)
Without the right certificates, you risk:
> Legal action and fines
> Voided insurance policies
> Breach of lease agreements
> Danger to tenants and visitors
Staying compliant protects both you and your business.
Commercial landlords need several certificates, including an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Gas Safety Certificate, Boiler Installation Certificate, Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR), Fire Risk Assessment, Asbestos Management Plan (if applicable), and Legionella Risk Assessment.
Yes, an EPC is legally required when renting or selling a commercial property. It shows how energy-efficient the building is and must meet the government’s minimum standards, which are currently an E rating or above in most cases.
Most commercial properties should have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years. However, the recommended frequency can vary depending on the building’s use, so it’s wise to consult a qualified electrician.
If the commercial property has gas appliances or a gas supply, you must have an annual Gas Safety Certificate, issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If your commercial building was built before the year 2000, you are legally required to manage asbestos risks. This means carrying out an asbestos survey and keeping an asbestos management plan in place.
A Legionella risk assessment is important because landlords are legally responsible for managing the risk of Legionella bacteria in the water systems of their properties, protecting tenants and visitors from potential health hazards.
You risk breaching fire safety regulations, which can lead to fines, enforcement notices, or even prosecution if there’s a fire incident.
Only qualified fire alarm professionals or companies with the right certification can carry out the inspection and issue the certificate.
Yes, if you have a fire alarm system installed, it must be inspected regularly, even in small premises.
The system should have a full inspection every six months by a competent fire safety contractor. You should also do weekly tests in-house.
It provides light in case of a power cut or emergency, helping people leave the building safely.
A full duration test (typically 3 hours) is required annually, with monthly short functional tests done in-house.
A qualified electrician or lighting specialist who’s familiar with British Standards for emergency lighting can carry out the inspection and provide the certificate.
You must fix any issues immediately — faulty emergency lighting is a major safety risk and could lead to enforcement action.
Further Reading
