If you’re looking to get new windows or doors fitted, you’ll probably need to know what a FENSA certificate is. We take a look at what FENSA certificates are and why is it important to get one. In this article, we aim to answer most of the frequently asked questions about the scheme.
FAQs
What is a FENSA certificate?
A FENSA certificate is evidence that an installer has complied with building regulations when fitting your new windows or doors. This means any doors or windows meet the highest standard of building regulations and meet energy efficiency requirements. The certificate also proves that the installer has registered your new installation with the local authority.
Do you need a FENSA certificate?
All windows or doors fitted since 1 April 2002 require a valid FENSA certificate or a building regulations certificate. A FENSA certificate confirms compliance with building regulations and is easier to obtain as it is often issued by the installer upon completion of the work. If windows or doors don’t comply with building regulations, you could receive a fine.
How many years does a FENSA certificate last?
FENSA certificates typically last for the lifetime of the installed doors and windows. The certificate also acts as evidence of an insurance-backed guarantee, which tends to last for 10 years.
How much does it cost to get a FENSA certificate?
If you’ve lost your FENSA certificate, or the owner of a house you’re buying has lost theirs, you can order a new copy from FENSA for £25. If you or they have never had a FENSA certificate for windows and doors installed in the house, the costs of a building regulations certificate are significantly higher (around £300 to £400).
How long does it take to get a FENSA certificate?
If your door or window installer is registered with FENSA, they can self-certify their work upon completion of the job. FENSA sends out the certificates, and they usually take between 10 and 20 days to arrive in the post.
Can you sell a house without a FENSA certificate?
You can sell a house without a FENSA certificate for doors and windows, but it can be more problematic and costly to do so. If you don’t have a FENSA certificate, you’ll have to use a building regulations certificate as evidence that your doors and windows comply with regulations. Alternatively, you could take a FENSA indemnity insurance policy.
I can’t find my FENSA certificate. What should I do?
If your windows and doors were installed after 1 April 2002, you should have a FENSA certificate for them. If you don’t remember receiving one, or you’ve lost your FENSA certificate, you can search for it using FENSA’s database and order new copies. These cost £25 each.
What happens if you’re buying a house without a FENSA certificate?
If the house you’re buying has never had a FENSA certificate, you might consider buying a FENSA indemnity insurance policy. This protects you against future charges or fines associated with windows and doors that don’t have a FENSA certificate.
Can you fit new windows without a FENSA certificate?
A FENSA certificate isn’t a legal requirement for new window or door fittings, but it’s the easiest way to ensure your new installation does meet the legal building regulations requirements. Without a FENSA certificate, you’ll need to pay much more for someone to inspect the work and issue a building regulations certificate.
Do you need building regulations for replacement windows?
When replacing windows or doors, it’s a legal requirement to ensure they comply with building regulations. A FENSA certificate confirms that both the installer and the fittings comply with the regulations.
What happens if you don’t have a FENSA certificate?
If you don’t have a FENSA certificate for your windows and doors, you could be at risk of receiving a penalty notice from your local authority. To avoid any potential fines, you can apply for a building regulations certificate. Otherwise, you can take out a FENSA indemnity policy to protect you from future charges.
What is a FENSA indemnity policy?
A FENSA indemnity policy is an insurance policy that protects you if you don’t have a FENSA certificate. The policy covers you for any future fines, alterations or the cost of removing doors and windows if the local authority imposes these penalties on you.
Are FENSA rules changing?
The most recent changes to FENSA rules came in July 2023 when the organisation launched an updated, comprehensive guide to compliance. This is the first major update to FENSA rules since 2016, and it brings all guidance and regulations into alignment under one single document. The guide is free to download from the organisation’s website, making it easy to stay on top of all current compliance.
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