UK Business Compliance Renewal Checklists
These checklists show which certificates, registrations, licences and insurance policies different types of UK business need to keep in date, how often each comes round, who issues it and what to watch for if it lapses. Pick the one closest to your business below, then put the dates into one tracker so nothing slips. Each checklist links to the official GOV.UK or regulator page for the rules it describes. They are general guidance, not legal advice.
Which renewal checklist is right for my business?
Four checklists are ready now.
Small business compliance checklist
For any small employer. Covers employers' liability insurance, the data protection fee, fire risk assessments, vehicle MOT and tax, and the supplier renewals that quietly stop work when they lapse. Start here if your business does not fit the others. Go to the small business compliance checklist.
Landlord renewal checklist
For landlords in England. Covers the 12 month gas safety record, the electrical inspection at least every 5 years, the 10 year EPC, alarms, deposit protection and licences. Go to the landlord renewal checklist.
Construction trades renewal checklist
For electricians, plumbers, gas engineers and builders. Covers insurance, Gas Safe registration, scheme memberships, site cards and the van. Go to the construction trades checklist.
Hospitality and food business checklist
For pubs, cafes, restaurants and takeaways. Covers the premises licence annual fee, food hygiene, fire safety, gas, music licences and insurance. Go to the hospitality and food business checklist.
How often do common UK business renewals come round?
Here are some of the intervals that GOV.UK and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) state, which are used across the checklists.
| Item | Interval stated by an official source |
|---|---|
| Landlord gas safety check | Every 12 months (HSE) |
| Landlord electrical inspection | At least every 5 years (GOV.UK) |
| Energy Performance Certificate | Valid for 10 years (GOV.UK) |
| Vehicle MOT | Annual after the first test (a pass date sets the next expiry one year less a day on); first test by the third anniversary of registration (GOV.UK) |
| Employers' liability insurance | Required as soon as you employ staff; minimum cover £5 million (GOV.UK) |
| Premises licence (England and Wales) | Most have unlimited duration, with an annual fee payable (GOV.UK) |
| Fire risk assessment | Review regularly, no fixed date (GOV.UK) |
Anything not in this table varies by supplier, scheme or council, so the checklists tell you to read the date on your own certificate rather than guess.
What should every renewal checklist record?
Whatever your sector, record the same handful of facts for each item:
- What it is, and who issues it.
- The expiry or due date.
- How much notice you need to get it done.
- The cost, if there is one.
- Where the document is saved.
- Who in the business is responsible.
That is also the shape of a tracker. Our free contract renewal template uses the same columns for contracts and subscriptions, and you can adapt it for certificates and licences. How to track contract renewals explains the method step by step. For a yearly view, read the UK business compliance calendar.
Is there a checklist for my job role?
If you manage renewals for others rather than for one business, we have pages written by role, such as accountants, letting agents, property managers, solicitors, IT managers, marketing agencies, HR managers, finance managers, operations managers and procurement teams. Those pages explain how MyRenewals helps in each role. The checklists here are the practical lists of what to renew.
How can MyRenewals help me keep track?
MyRenewals holds each renewal with its date, supplier, value and notice period, and sends email alerts before the date arrives. The Free plan tracks up to 10 renewals, Starter is £9 a month for up to 100, and Professional is £19 a month for up to 1,000.
Frequently asked questions
What is a compliance renewal checklist?
It is a list of the certificates, registrations, licences and insurance policies a business must keep in date, with the interval, the issuer and the consequence of letting each one lapse.
How do I know what my business must renew?
Start with the checklist closest to your sector, then check the official GOV.UK or regulator page it links to. Rules vary by nation, by council and by activity.
Can I track these renewals for free?
Yes. The MyRenewals Free plan tracks up to 10 renewals, and the contract renewal template is a free download.
Do these checklists replace professional advice?
No. They are general guidance. For legal or insurance advice about your own circumstances, ask a qualified adviser or your council.