Question 1

How do I book a landlord certificate?

Accepted Answer

Book online at mylandlordcertificate.co.uk. Choose your service, enter your property address and size, select an appointment slot and pay securely. The booking takes under three minutes and you receive a confirmation email immediately with your engineer's contact details. You can also call us on 0330 133 0066 if you prefer to book by phone.

Question 2

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Next-day appointments are available across London and the South East, subject to engineer availability in your area. Book before 5pm on a working day and we will aim to schedule your visit for the following working day. For urgent same-day requirements, call 0330 133 0066 and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Question 3

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

Accepted Answer

No. Your tenant or any keyholder can provide access to the property. The engineer will carry out the inspection, complete all paperwork and explain any findings without you needing to be there. Your certificate is emailed directly to you on the day of the inspection. This is particularly convenient for landlords who live or work away from their rental property.

Question 4

Can I book multiple certificates in one visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our bundle options combine two or more certificates in a single engineer visit, saving you money and eliminating multiple access appointments. The Essential Bundle (EICR + Gas Safety) starts from £130, saving £14.99. The Full Compliance Bundle adds an EPC for £230. The HMO Complete Bundle includes EICR, Gas Safety, EPC and Fire Risk Assessment for £450, saving up to £44.97. See the bundle page for full details.

Question 5

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is taken securely online when you book. We accept all major credit and debit cards. You pay the fixed price displayed before you confirm — there are no additional charges added after the visit unless you have explicitly agreed to remedial work on the day. A VAT invoice is emailed to you with your booking confirmation.

Question 6

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all 32 London boroughs plus the surrounding South East counties — Surrey, Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire. If you are unsure whether your property falls within our coverage area, enter your postcode during the booking process or call 0330 133 0066 and we will confirm availability.

Question 7

What happens if I need to rearrange my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Contact us by phone or email at least 24 hours before your appointment and we will rearrange at no charge. Cancellations or rearrangements with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a rebooking fee. Full details are in our terms and conditions.

Question 8

What is an EICR?

Accepted Answer

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal document that records the condition of the fixed electrical installation in a property — wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), sockets, light fittings and earthing. A qualified electrician inspects and tests the installation against the current British Standard BS 7671 (the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations) and assigns an overall outcome of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

Question 9

Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require all private landlords in England to have a valid EICR carried out by a qualified person at least every five years, and to provide a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and to any new tenant before they move in. Local authorities can impose fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance.

Question 10

How often does a landlord need an EICR?

Accepted Answer

At least every five years. However, if the previous EICR specified a shorter interval — for example, due to the age or condition of the wiring — you must follow that shorter interval. HMO licences may also impose their own EICR frequency requirements. Always check your licence conditions.

Question 11

What is the difference between a C1, C2 and C3 code?

Accepted Answer

Observations on an EICR are graded C1, C2, C3 or FI. A C1 (Danger present) means there is an immediate risk of injury — the engineer must make the installation safe before leaving. A C2 (Potentially dangerous) means there is a risk that could become dangerous — remedial work is required before the property can be let. A C3 (Improvement recommended) means the installation does not meet current standards but is not immediately dangerous — no remedial work is legally required, though it is advisable. FI (Further investigation) means something could not be fully tested and requires investigation.

Question 12

What happens if the EICR comes back as Unsatisfactory?

Accepted Answer

An Unsatisfactory outcome means one or more C1 or C2 observations were found. You must arrange remedial works within 28 days (or sooner if specified in the report) and obtain written confirmation from a qualified electrician that the work has been completed. A follow-up EICR or minor works certificate may be required depending on the extent of the work. Our engineers can quote for remedial works on the day of the inspection.

Question 13

How long does an EICR take?

Accepted Answer

For a typical 1–3 bedroom property with a modern consumer unit, an EICR usually takes 2–4 hours. Larger properties, older wiring, or properties with multiple consumer units will take longer. Properties with original pre-1960s wiring or extensive circuits may require 4–6 hours or more. Your engineer will let you know if they expect the inspection to take longer than the standard slot.

Question 14

Is an EICR the same as a PAT test?

Accepted Answer

No. An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation — the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and light fittings that are permanently part of the building. PAT testing covers portable appliances — items that can be unplugged, such as kettles, washing machines, televisions and lamps. Both are recommended for furnished rental properties but they are separate inspections carried out by different engineers.

Question 15

What is a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)?

Accepted Answer

A Gas Safety Certificate — formally known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record, and often called a CP12 after the original CORGI Proforma 12 document — is a record confirming that all gas appliances, fittings and flues in a rented property have been inspected by a Gas Safe Registered engineer and are safe to use. It must be issued annually by every private landlord in Great Britain who lets a property with gas appliances.

Question 16

Is a Gas Safety Certificate a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all private landlords must have a Gas Safety check carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer every 12 months and provide a copy of the certificate to each tenant within 28 days of the check (or before they move in for new tenants). Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution, an unlimited fine, or imprisonment.

Question 17

Who can carry out a gas safety inspection?

Accepted Answer

Only a Gas Safe Registered engineer. It is illegal for anyone not on the Gas Safe Register to carry out gas work or to issue a Gas Safety Certificate in Great Britain. You can verify any engineer's Gas Safe registration at gassaferegister.co.uk by checking their licence card number. All our gas engineers are Gas Safe Registered and you can request their registration details before the visit.

Question 18

What appliances are checked in a Gas Safety inspection?

Accepted Answer

The engineer checks all gas appliances in the property that are provided by the landlord — typically the boiler, gas hob, gas cooker, gas fires and any gas tumble dryers. The inspection covers the appliance itself, the flue or chimney, ventilation and the supply pipework. Tenant-owned appliances should also be checked as the landlord remains responsible for the gas supply and pipework.

Question 19

What happens if a gas appliance is found to be unsafe?

Accepted Answer

If an appliance is immediately dangerous, the engineer will disconnect it from the gas supply before leaving and issue an unsafe situation notice. If the appliance is at risk of becoming dangerous, it will be issued with a warning notice. In either case, the appliance must not be used until the fault is repaired and the repair verified by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. The property cannot be let with a known unsafe gas appliance.

Question 20

Do I need to give my tenant a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must provide a copy of the current Gas Safety Certificate to all existing tenants within 28 days of the annual inspection and to new tenants before their tenancy begins. You must also retain records of the two most recent Gas Safety Certificates and make them available to the Local Authority on request. We email the certificate directly to you on the day of the inspection so you can forward it immediately.

Question 21

What is an EPC?

Accepted Answer

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a document that rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) using a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score. It also provides an environmental impact rating and includes recommendations for improving the property's energy performance. EPCs are produced by accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) using a government-approved methodology.

Question 22

Is an EPC required for a rental property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Landlords must have a valid EPC before marketing a property to let and must provide a copy to prospective tenants free of charge. An EPC is valid for ten years. Crucially, since April 2020, privately rented properties in England and Wales must achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of E or above under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let.

Question 23

What is the MEES minimum EPC rating for rentals?

Accepted Answer

The current minimum is E. Landlords cannot let a property with an EPC rating of F or G to new tenants, and since April 2020 this applies to all existing tenancies too (not just new ones). The government has proposed raising the minimum to C for new tenancies from 2025, though this timeline has been subject to change — always check the current regulations at gov.uk.

Question 24

What happens if my EPC rating is below E?

Accepted Answer

You cannot legally let the property until you improve the energy efficiency to at least an E rating. You must make all cost-effective improvements up to a £3,500 cap (including VAT). If the cost of improvements exceeds £3,500 and the property still does not reach E, you may register a 'high cost' exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Enforcement is by local authorities and penalties can reach £5,000 per property.

Question 25

How long is an EPC valid?

Accepted Answer

An EPC is valid for ten years from the date of issue. You do not need a new EPC unless the existing one has expired or you have made significant changes to the property (such as insulation, new windows, or a new heating system) that would materially affect the energy rating. EPC certificates are automatically lodged on the national EPC register at epcregister.com.

Question 26

Do I need a new EPC after renovation or improvement works?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. An EPC is valid for ten years regardless of minor changes. However, if you have made significant energy efficiency improvements — such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, new double glazing, or a heat pump — getting a new EPC after the works is sensible, as the improved rating may unlock higher rents, increase the property's value and demonstrate MEES compliance. Our DEA assessors can advise on likely rating improvements before you commit to works.

Question 27

Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

A formal Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for all HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), blocks of flats, and any property where communal areas exist. For single-occupancy houses and flats without communal areas, a formal written FRA is not legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — though basic fire safety precautions (smoke alarms, CO detectors) are still required. The Building Safety Act 2022 extended requirements to higher-risk residential buildings of 18m or above.

Question 28

How often should a Fire Risk Assessment be reviewed?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed statutory interval, but the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the assessment to be reviewed whenever there is reason to believe it is no longer valid — for example after a fire, after structural changes, or after a change of use. In practice, most fire safety guidance recommends reviewing the FRA annually for residential properties and HMOs, and this is typically required by HMO licensing conditions.

Question 29

What does a Fire Risk Assessment cover?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive FRA covers: identification of fire hazards (ignition sources, fuel and oxygen); identification of people at risk; evaluation of fire risks; fire detection and warning systems (smoke alarms, heat detectors, alarm panels); means of escape (staircases, escape routes, signage); fire-fighting equipment (extinguishers, blankets); emergency lighting; fire doors and compartmentation; and management arrangements (maintenance records, emergency plan). The assessor will produce a written report with a prioritised action plan.

Question 30

What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

Accepted Answer

The RRO 2005 is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales for non-domestic premises and certain residential buildings, including HMOs, blocks of flats and houses converted to flats. It places a legal duty on the 'responsible person' (typically the landlord or managing agent) to carry out a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. Failure to comply can result in prohibition notices, prosecution, unlimited fines and imprisonment.

Question 31

What happens if I do not have a Fire Risk Assessment for an HMO?

Accepted Answer

Failure to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment for an HMO is a criminal offence under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Enforcement officers from the local Fire and Rescue Service can issue enforcement notices requiring you to take specific action, prohibition notices that prevent the property from being used, and can prosecute you in a Magistrates' or Crown Court. HMO licences also typically require a current FRA as a licence condition, so failure to produce one can result in licence revocation.

Question 32

What is PAT testing?

Accepted Answer

PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is the inspection and electrical testing of portable electrical appliances to check they are safe to use. It covers both a visual inspection (checking for damage, frayed leads, missing covers) and an electrical test using a PAT tester (checking earth continuity, insulation resistance and sometimes leakage current). Each appliance receives a pass or fail result and is labelled accordingly.

Question 33

Is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific law that requires landlords to carry out PAT testing. However, landlords have a general duty of care to ensure that all electrical appliances supplied with a furnished property are safe under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987. PAT testing is the most recognised way to demonstrate compliance. Many HMO licences and letting agent management agreements explicitly require annual or periodic PAT testing.

Question 34

How often should PAT testing be done?

Accepted Answer

There is no legally mandated interval. The HSE recommends a risk-based approach: furnished rental properties are considered a higher-risk environment and annual testing is widely recommended and required by many HMO licence conditions. Second-hand or older appliances, or appliances in high-use environments (HMOs with multiple tenants), should be tested more frequently.

Question 35

Which appliances need PAT testing?

Accepted Answer

Any portable electrical appliance that is provided by the landlord and can be plugged into the mains. This typically includes: washing machines and tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges and freezers, cookers and microwaves, kettles and toasters, televisions and lamps, vacuum cleaners and irons, and power tools. Fixed appliances (hardwired equipment) are covered by the EICR, not PAT testing.

Question 36

Are your prices fixed, or can they change on the day?

Accepted Answer

Prices are fixed. The price displayed before you pay is the price on your invoice. The only additional charges that can apply are for parking (£5 where paid parking is required) and the London Congestion Zone charge (£18 for properties inside the Congestion Zone). Both are shown during the booking process. No other charges are added after the visit.

Question 37

Are there any additional charges I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Two potential additional charges: a parking charge of £5 if the engineer needs to pay for parking at your property, and a Congestion Zone surcharge of £18 for properties inside the London Congestion Zone. If your property requires remedial electrical work following an EICR, the engineer will provide a separate quote on the day — there is no obligation to accept.

Question 38

How is my certificate delivered?

Accepted Answer

Every certificate is emailed to you as a PDF on the same day as the inspection — not posted, not delayed by admin, not sent the following week. You receive it directly to the email address you provided during booking. EPC certificates are additionally lodged on the national EPC register at epcregister.com automatically. Gas Safety Certificates and EICRs are provided in a format accepted by all local authorities, letting agents and mortgage lenders.

Question 39

How do I share the certificate with my tenant?

Accepted Answer

Forward the PDF directly from your email. For Gas Safety Certificates, you are required by law to provide a copy to each tenant within 28 days of the annual inspection (and before they move in for new tenancies). For EICRs, you must provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before their tenancy begins. EPC certificates are publicly available on the national register, but it is good practice to email a copy to your tenant as well.

Question 40

Can I get a receipt for my records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A VAT invoice is emailed to you with your booking confirmation. If you need a separate receipt or a copy of your invoice, contact us at any time and we will resend it. All booking records are retained in your account if you register, or available on request if you booked as a guest.

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