Supplying an EPC certificate for your property is a legal requirement. You can find your existing EPC by clicking here.

The results will also advise you how your rating has been assessed and how you can improve it.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

Make sure your property has smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed. Contact your local fire station for advice – they offer a free service as part of a home safety check.

Gas and electricity service reports are optional:

The following compliance certificates are not a legal requirement, but they would provide the buyer with peace of mind and make your property more attractive.

It is important to say here that some potential buyers may request these – and they usually do, or their conveyancer does – so we would recommend you get them done anyway, so you don’t have any unnecessary delays which could add weeks to your completion.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR):

In the UK, there is no legal requirement for homeowners to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for their properties. However, it is highly recommended by the electrical safety charity Electrical Safety First to have an EICR done at least once every 10 years.

This recommendation is based on the fact that older wiring systems can deteriorate over time, creating fire risks and safety hazards. Regular checks can help identify potential issues early, prevent costly repairs, and ensure compliance with current safety standards.

Gas Safety Service Report:

In the UK, gas safety checks are not mandatory for homeowners. However, it is highly recommended to have regular checks with a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure safety and compliance.

While landlords are legally required to provide gas safety certificates for rental properties, homeowners are not legally obliged to have one for their private residence.

It is still prudent for homeowners to conduct annual checks to protect their families and properties from potential hazards.