Quick summary: compliance certificate
A compliance certificate is a formal document confirming that a building project, installation or alteration complies with relevant regulations — whether that’s planning permission, Building Regulations, electrical safety, or energy standards.
- Planning compliance certificates confirm work was approved or didn’t need permission.
- Building Regulations certificates confirm construction meets UK safety and performance standards.
- Electrical or gas compliance certificates are issued by certified professionals for regulated work.
These certificates matter when selling a home, proving legality, or resolving disputes with your local authority. If you're unsure whether you need one, it depends on the type of work, who did it, and whether formal approval was required.
Not sure if you need a compliance certificate?
We’ll help you figure out which certificates apply to your project — and whether the council expects one.
What is a compliance certificate?
A compliance certificate is an official record showing that something meets the relevant regulations or standards. In UK home projects, this usually relates to planning law, Building Regulations, or safety standards (such as electrics or gas).
Councils, conveyancers, insurance firms and buyers may all ask to see proof that the work you’ve done is legal and safe — and a compliance certificate provides that reassurance.
When do you need a compliance certificate?
Not all home projects require a formal certificate. You’ll typically need one if the work falls under:
- Building Regulations approval
- Electrical or gas safety regulations
- Planning permission or permitted development
You may also need compliance evidence if:
- You’re selling or remortgaging your property
- Your insurer requests proof of legal construction
- The council raises a query or enforcement issue
Common types of compliance certificate in UK home projects
Here are the most common certificates homeowners encounter:
1. Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
Issued once Building Control signs off your work. Confirms compliance with Parts A–P of the Building Regs. See our guide on Building Regulations Certificates.
2. Electrical Compliance Certificate
Issued by a Part P-registered electrician. Required for notifiable works such as consumer unit upgrades or new circuits.
3. Gas Safety Certificate
Provided by Gas Safe engineers. Required for new boilers, gas fires and certain kitchen installations.
4. Planning Permission or Lawful Development Certificate
If your project was built under permitted development or had planning permission, you may need proof. Our article on Certificates & Compliance Documents explains the options.
Not sure what compliance certificates your project needs?
We’ll check the works against Building Regulations and planning law — and let you know where certification applies.
How to get a compliance certificate (step-by-step)
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to get the right certificate for your home project:
Step-by-step: how to get a compliance certificate
- Identify what kind of work was done. Was it structural, electrical, plumbing, or something else?
- Check if approval was needed. Use our planning permission guide or consult Building Control.
- Contact the right professional. This might be your builder, electrician, or a planning consultant.
- Request retrospective certification if work is already done but wasn’t approved at the time. A regularisation certificate may be needed.
- Keep your documents safe. Certificates are often needed years later — especially when you sell.
Costs, validity and how long certificates last
Typical certificate costs vary depending on type:
- Building Regulations certificates: often included in Building Control fees (from £200–£700 depending on project)
- Electrical certificates: around £100–£200 for minor works; more for full rewires or new installs
- Gas Safety certificates: £60–£150 depending on appliance and provider
- Lawful Development Certificates: £103 council fee + plan costs
Most certificates don’t expire, but they relate to the work as it was done. If you alter or remove the installation, new compliance may be needed.
FAQs: compliance certificate
What is a compliance certificate?
A compliance certificate confirms that your work meets the relevant regulations, such as Building Regulations, planning law or safety standards.
Do I need a compliance certificate to sell my house?
Yes — if you’ve carried out notifiable works like extensions, rewires or boiler installs. Buyers and solicitors will usually ask for them.
Can I get a certificate after work has been done?
In many cases, yes. This is called retrospective approval. You may need a regularisation certificate or specialist inspection to prove compliance.
How long does it take to get a compliance certificate?
Timeframes vary: some are issued immediately after inspection, others (like LDCs) can take 6–8 weeks via the council.
Who issues compliance certificates?
It depends on the type. Building Control issues Regs certificates; Gas Safe and NICEIC-registered professionals issue gas and electrical certificates.
Next steps & useful guides
- Certificates & Compliance Documents
- Building Regulations Certificate Explained
- Building Control: What It Is, When You Need It
- Planning Permission (UK): Complete Guide
- What Is a Regularisation Certificate?
- What it meansProof that your work meets planning rules, Building Regulations or safety standards.
- Common typesBuilding Regs certificate, electrical safety certificate, Gas Safe certificate, Lawful Development Certificate.
- Why you need oneTo avoid enforcement, sell your home, or prove legality of works.
- How to get itFrom your builder, electrician, planning consultant or council — depending on the type of work.
- Costs£100–£700+ depending on certificate type, project size and timing.
- Valid forUsually permanent — but only covers the original work as done.
Not sure which compliance certificates apply to your project? Ask our team to check.
Official guidance
- Planning Portal – national planning and Building Regs guidance
- GOV.UK – official guidance on permissions and compliance
How Plans Made Easy can help
Whether you’re preparing for a build or trying to resolve an old issue, understanding which compliance certificates apply is crucial. We help homeowners identify gaps, secure missing documentation, and prepare plans that comply first time.
Ready to move your project forward?
Plans Made Easy can prepare compliant plans, manage submissions, and guide you from idea to approval.
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