Landlord Gas Safety Certificates: Everything You Need to Know
Landlord Gas Safety Certificates
If you rent out a property with gas appliances, a landlord gas safety certificate isn't optional, it's a legal requirement. Here's exactly what it covers, how often you need one, and what happens if you let it lapse.
What Is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Officially called a CP12, a landlord gas safety certificate confirms that every gas appliance, flue and pipework in a rented property has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and is safe to use. It's a legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations for any rental property in England, Scotland and Wales with gas appliances.
What Does the Check Cover?
- Gas tightness testing on the whole system
- Checking the boiler, cooker, gas fire and any other gas appliances
- Flue and ventilation checks to confirm safe operation
- Checking appliances are correctly and safely installed
- Confirming safety devices are working correctly
How Often Do You Need One?
Every 12 months, without exception. The check needs to be carried out no more than 10-12 months after the previous one, so you don't lose time if you book slightly early each year, the renewal date simply carries forward from the original check date rather than resetting.
Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Beyond booking the annual check, you're required to give tenants a copy of the current certificate within 28 days of the check, or before they move in for new tenancies. Records need to be kept for at least two years, and any gas appliance you provide (even ones tenants didn't ask for) falls under your responsibility to maintain safely.
Common Questions
Do I need a certificate if the property has no gas appliances?
No, if there's genuinely no gas supply or appliances in the property, a CP12 isn't required. But if there's any gas connection at all, even just a boiler, it applies.
Can I do the check myself if I'm Gas Safe registered?
Only if you're Gas Safe registered specifically for the type of appliance being checked, and you can't check your own property if you're also the letting agent managing it on someone else's behalf. Most landlords use an independent Gas Safe engineer to avoid any conflict of interest.
What's the difference between a gas safety check and a boiler service?
A gas safety check confirms appliances are safe to use and is a legal requirement. A boiler service is a more thorough maintenance check that keeps the boiler running efficiently and protects its warranty. Many landlords book both together in one visit.
Our Gas Safe registered engineers carry out landlord gas safety checks across Dartford, Kent, Essex, Sussex and London, and can combine them with a full boiler service in a single visit. Find out more about our landlord gas safety service.
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