EPC, EICR or gas safety record: which document answers which question?
Three common documents often appear together in a landlord’s file. They serve different purposes.
Start with the question, not the acronym
An Energy Performance Certificate describes how a building uses energy. An Electrical Installation Condition Report considers the safety and condition of the fixed electrical installation. A landlord gas safety record documents the result of a check on relevant gas appliances and flues. None stands in for the other two.
If you are selling or letting a home
An EPC gives a property an A–G energy rating and includes recommendations for improving efficiency. In England and Wales, an EPC is generally needed when selling or letting, subject to exceptions. The official register lets you check whether a valid certificate already exists. Read more on our domestic EPC page and in the GOV.UK EPC guidance.
If you are responsible for electrical safety
An EICR is a report on the fixed electrical installation. It can record observations that need action, further investigation or improvement. In England, relevant landlords must arrange inspection and testing by a qualified person at least every five years or sooner if the report requires it. The full duties depend on the tenancy and the report. Our EICR page explains the service. The government guidance explains the England rules.
If the property has gas provided for tenants
A landlord’s annual gas safety check must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The resulting record shows what was checked and any defects. Maintenance remains a separate duty. Our gas safety page covers the practical information needed to request a check. The HSE guidance explains the landlord duties.
A practical way to decide
List the property, the transaction or tenancy stage, and the documents you already hold. Check validity where an official register is available. Then request only the missing or due service, with the correct address and access contact. For non-domestic premises, the energy assessment route is different; see commercial EPCs.