Leaseholder protections: buildings at least 11 metres or 5 storeys (England)
Leaseholder deed of certificate
The leaseholder deed of certificate is the legal proof that you have a qualifying lease. You can complete one at any time to confirm your status and secure the protections you're entitled to. If your landlord asks you to provide one, you must send it to them (regardless of your qualifying status).
Difference to the landlord certificate
These are two different documents.
| Leaseholder deed of certificate | Landlord certificate |
|---|---|
| Completed and sent by you | Completed and sent by the landlord |
| Confirms if you qualify for leaseholder protection and therefore the cap on how much you can pay in total | Confirms who is liable for remediation and if the landlord can pass on any costs to you |
| Until it is sent, you are presumed to be a qualifying leaseholder and not liable for any historic safety defects | Until it is sent, the landlord or developer is presumed to be responsible for paying for historic safety defects |
How to complete the leaseholder deed of certificate
1. Download the official GOV.UK certificate template
Use the official GOV.UK template leaseholder deed of certificate.
If completed properly, it cannot be refused by the landlord.
2. Get it signed by an independent witness
The leaseholder deed of certificate must be signed by an independent witness or the landlord can refuse it.
This person must be 18 or over.
They cannot be a family member, husband or wife, civil partner, or someone you live with.
3. Include the supporting evidence
| What to prove | Evidence to send | Does it need to be an official or certified copy? |
|---|---|---|
| If the property was your only or main home on 14 February 2022 |
Use a selection of evidence covering a date range on and around February 2022. For example, from October 2021 to October 2022. Most people use utility bills but you could also use Council Tax bills, bank or credit card statements and letters from HMRC or DWP |
No |
| if the property was sold before 14 February 2022 and price paid | Use an official paper copy of the Land Registry title showing the date of sale |
Yes. An official paper copy from the Land Registry costs £11 and is sent in the post (you cannot download it) |
| The price paid on completion if the property was sold before 14 February 2022 |
The Land Registry title might list this price. If not, use the transfer deed, completion letter or statement of account from the solicitor or conveyancer. Do not use estate agent marketing brochures, ”subject to contract” offer letters or provisional mortgage valuation reports as these do not prove the final completion price |
No |
| If the property was shared ownership on 14 February 2022 | Send a copy of the shared ownership lease | No |
| If you staircased (bought more shares) before or on 14 February 2022 |
Send a copy of the memorandum of staircasing (the legal document you get when you buy more shares). If lost, get a copy from the housing association or ask them for a formal statement of account. The solicitor you used may also have a copy |
No |
How and when to send your leaseholder deed of certificate
Sending the leaseholder deed of certificate confirms your status as a qualifying leaseholder and secures the protections you're entitled to.
You can send your leaseholder deed of certificate to your landlord at any time, including before or after you get an estimated bill or service charge demand.
You do not need the landlord certificate in order to send your leaseholder deed of certificate.
When you send your leaseholder deed of certificate you should:
- check you have your landlord’s correct official address
- include the supporting evidence (see above)
- make sure it's signed by an independent witness (see above)
- send your certificate by recorded delivery (recommended)
- ask your landlord to confirm in writing that they’ve received it (email confirmation is OK)
- keep a copy of everything for your records
Your rights if the landlord asks for the leaseholder deed of certificate
Your landlord must give you a valid notice when asking for your leaseholder deed of certificate. This notice sets out certain information, including what will happen if you do not send the certificate.
They must give you 8 weeks to send it. You can ask for a 4-week extension.
If you miss the deadline, they must send a reminder and give you another 14 days.
After that, they can presume you do not qualify for protection. To resolve this, send your leaseholder deed of certificate. It means the landlord must then:
- apply the protections you’re entitled to for any previous or future costs
- update their records
- send you their landlord certificate
The landlord cannot charge you a fee for processing your leaseholder deed of certificate.
If you buy after 14 February 2022
You “inherit” the qualifying status of the lease as it was on 14 February 2022. It's a good idea to check with the solicitor if there is a leaseholder deed of certificate or landlord certificate when buying the property.
- Last updated:
- 28 May 2026
- Next review:
- 29 April 2028
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