Which core certificates should landlords track?
Gas Safety record (annual) where gas is present. EICR (typically every 5 years in England for private rentals, or earlier if recommended). EPC (usually valid 10 years; minimum rating rules may also apply). Keep PDFs and next-due dates together.
Also confirm smoke alarms on each storey used as living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances — and test them as required.
What other tenancy and safety documents matter?
Depending on location and tenancy type, you may also need: How to Rent guide (England), deposit protection evidence, right-to-rent checks, legionella risk assessment, and fire risk assessment for HMOs or relevant buildings.
HMO licences, selective licensing, and local authority schemes are area-specific. Add them to the checklist for that property rather than assuming a national one-size list.
How do you run the checklist each month?
Once a month, scan every property for certificates due in the next 90 days. Book engineers early. Store the new certificate and update the next due date the same day it arrives.
Certs Reminder is being built to turn this checklist into automatic reminders. Join the waitlist if you want that workflow without spreadsheets.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three certificates landlords forget most?
Gas Safety (every 12 months), EICR (commonly every 5 years), and EPC (commonly every 10 years). They run on different clocks, which is why they get missed.
Is a checklist enough for compliance?
A checklist helps you see deadlines. You still need valid certificates, correct alarms, and any local licensing. Treat the list as an operating system, not a guarantee.