Your window certificate, and why you'll want it when you sell
What a Building Regulations compliance certificate for new windows is, when you should receive it and what to do if you can't find yours.
8 October 2026 · 1 min read
When you have new windows or doors fitted in England, the work has to meet Building Regulations. If your installer is registered with a Competent Person Scheme, such as FENSA, Certass or Assure, they can certify that it does. You should then receive a compliance certificate.
It's easy to file it away and forget about it. Then, years later, your buyer's solicitor asks for it.
Why it matters when you sell
Buyers' solicitors routinely ask for evidence that replacement windows and doors comply with Building Regulations. If you can't provide it, it can delay the sale while a solution is found, such as obtaining a copy or arranging an indemnity policy.
When you should receive it
Your installer registers the work with their scheme after installation. The certificate usually follows within a few weeks. If it hasn't arrived after a couple of months, ask your installer.
If you can't find yours
The Competent Person Schemes generally let homeowners look up or request a copy of a certificate for their address. Check the website of the scheme your installer belonged to. If the windows were fitted before you bought the home, your purchase paperwork may include a copy.
What to keep together
When work is finished, keep these in one place:
- the compliance certificate
- the insurance-backed guarantee certificate
- the product and installation guarantee details
- your invoice and the agreed specification
Five minutes of filing now can save a lot of chasing later. You can read more about what to look for in our guide to choosing new windows.