UK Building Regulations 2010 Regulation 20: Self-Certification Guide

Key Takeaways

• Regulation 20 applies when building work is of a type described in Schedule 3 and carried out by a person listed in column 2 of that Schedule.
• Local authorities are authorised to accept self-certification as evidence that regulations 4 and 7 have been satisfied.
• The person carrying out the work must provide a certificate to the occupier and local authority not more than 30 days after completion.
• The 30-day notification requirement does not apply to building work described in Schedule 4.

What is UK Building Regulations 2010 Regulation 20?

Regulation 20 of The Building Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010 No. 2214) establishes the provisions applicable to self-certification schemes in the United Kingdom. It defines the conditions under which local authorities can accept a certificate from the person undertaking building work as proof of compliance with certain regulations (August 2026). This regulation is part of "PART 5" of the statutory instrument.

Who can use self-certification under Regulation 20?

Regulation 20 applies specifically to building work that consists only of work described in column 1 of the Table in Schedule 3. Furthermore, the work must be carried out by a person described in the corresponding entry in column 2 of that Table in respect of that type of work. This ensures that only qualified and registered individuals or companies operating under approved schemes can self-certify their work.

What is the certificate timeline and notification process?

When Regulation 20 applies, the person carrying out the work has a mandatory timeline for certificate issuance. Not more than 30 days after the completion of the work, they must give a copy of the certificate to the occupier. Additionally, within the same 30-day period, they must give notice to the local authority or provide them with the certificate itself. This ensures both the homeowner and the local authority are informed of the work's compliance.

Which requirements does self-certification satisfy?

Local authorities are authorised to accept a self-certification certificate as evidence that the requirements of regulations 4 and 7 have been satisfied. These regulations cover specific aspects of building work, and self-certification streamlines the compliance process for certain types of work by allowing approved professionals to attest to their own adherence to these standards.

Are there exceptions to Regulation 20?

Yes, there is a specific carveout for certain types of work. The mandatory 30-day notification requirement to the occupier and local authority does not apply where a person carries out any building work described in Schedule 4. Installers should consult Schedule 4 to understand if their specific work falls under this exception.

Key Statutory Provisions of Regulation 20

The table below summarises the core requirements and limitations of Regulation 20 of The Building Regulations 2010.

| Schedule 4 Carveout | "Paragraph (3) of this regulation does not apply where a person carries out any building work described in Schedule 4." | Figures as of August 2026.

How we verified these regulations

We verified the details of Regulation 20 by directly consulting the official statutory instrument, The Building Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010 No. 2214), as published on legislation.gov.uk. Our review on 23 August 2026 focused on the specific text of Regulation 20 to ensure accuracy in outlining its scope, requirements, and timelines.

Ensuring Compliance: Your Responsibilities as an Installer

Understanding Regulation 20 is crucial for installers operating under self-certification schemes. Failure to comply with the 30-day notification period or to correctly apply the scope of the regulation can lead to issues with local authorities. Always ensure your work aligns with Schedule 3 requirements and that you are an approved person for the type of work being undertaken.

For broader context on UK solar PV installations and compliance, you may find our guides on UK Building Regulations Part P and Solar PV Electrical Safety Rules and UK MEES Domestic Solar and Tenant Request Regulations Guide helpful. If your project involves properties with historical significance, consult our guide on UK Planning, Listed Buildings, and Conservation Areas Act 1990 Solar Rules.