If you’re a landlord in the UK, you’ve got certain legal responsibilities you can’t afford to ignore — and gas safety is right at the top of that list. Making sure your property is safe isn’t just good practice, it’s the law. One of the key parts of this is having a valid Gas Safety Certificate. But what exactly does that involve, and what are your legal duties? Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A Gas Safety Certificate, often referred to as a CP12, is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after carrying out an inspection on gas appliances and installations in a rented property. It confirms everything’s been checked and meets the required safety standards.
Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Book your annual check with a Gas Safe registered engineer today – don’t leave it until the last minute.
What Does the Law Say?
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all landlords must:
- Ensure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues are safe.
- Arrange annual gas safety checks by a registered engineer.
- Provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the check.
- Keep records of gas safety checks for at least two years.
- Give new tenants a valid certificate before they move in.
It doesn’t matter whether the tenant is private, social housing or a lodger — the rules still apply.
Who Can Carry Out the Check?
Only someone who is Gas Safe registered can legally carry out a gas safety check. You can check if an engineer is registered by asking to see their Gas Safe ID card or looking them up on the Gas Safe Register website.
Using someone who isn’t registered is illegal and puts your tenants and your property at serious risk.
What Gets Checked?
The gas safety inspection will usually include:
- Boilers
- Gas cookers and hobs
- Gas fires
- Flues and chimneys
- Pipework
The engineer checks for things like gas leaks, pressure issues, and carbon monoxide risks. If any faults are found, you’ll need to get them sorted before the certificate is issued.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to meet your gas safety obligations can lead to serious consequences:
- Fines — often in the thousands.
- Invalidated landlord insurance.
- Possible imprisonment in severe cases.
- Being held legally responsible if someone is harmed due to unsafe gas appliances.
It’s not worth the risk — and it’s not something that slips through the cracks unnoticed.
Tenants’ Rights
Tenants are entitled to see a valid Gas Safety Certificate, and if they ask for one, you must provide it promptly. If you don’t, they can report you to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local council.
How Often Do You Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Gas safety checks must be carried out every 12 months. Set a reminder or organise it well in advance — don’t leave it until the last minute. Some landlords schedule checks a couple of months before the certificate expires, especially if managing multiple properties.
The Bottom Line
Gas Safety Certificates aren’t just a box-ticking exercise. They’re a vital part of keeping your tenants safe and staying on the right side of the law. As a landlord in the UK, the legal requirements are clear:
- Use a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Have checks done yearly
- Provide tenants with the certificate
- Keep your records in order
Don’t cut corners. Safe homes are good homes, and staying compliant protects both your tenants and your rental business.
FAQs
No, as long as the existing certificate is still valid and the property hasn’t had any changes to the gas system or appliances, it can be given to the new tenant. However, landlords must ensure a copy is handed over before the new tenant moves in.
Yes, even if you’re letting a property on a short-term basis — such as Airbnb or holiday lets — a valid Gas Safety Certificate is required by law. The same safety standards apply regardless of how long someone is staying.
Landlords are responsible for the pipework and flues, but if a tenant brings in a gas appliance (like a cooker), the tenant is usually responsible for maintaining it. However, it’s wise for landlords to confirm everything is installed safely and to document it properly.
If a tenant refuses entry, landlords should show they’ve made reasonable efforts to arrange access — such as written notices and offering alternative dates. Keep records of all attempts. The law expects landlords to take all practical steps, but doesn’t allow forced entry without a court order.
No. If there’s no gas supply at the property, and no gas appliances or flues, then a certificate isn’t needed. However, if gas is later connected, a certificate must be arranged before the property is let again.
Yes, letting agents often handle compliance tasks like arranging gas safety checks. However, the legal responsibility still lies with the landlord, so it’s important to check the agent is actually doing what they say they will.
Absolutely. In HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), landlords must meet the same legal requirements, and often have extra responsibilities too — especially if the local council requires a licence. A valid Gas Safety Certificate is part of the licence conditions.
A gas safety check is a legal requirement and focuses on safety. A boiler service is more detailed and looks at performance and maintenance. Both are important, but the gas safety certificate comes from the safety check, not the service.
Further Reading
What is the validity of a commercial gas certificate for businesses?
Is a gas certificate compulsory for a commercial property?
Everything you need to know about getting an LPG certificate in London
Boiler Service Near Me: Essential guide to boiler maintenance
Does a commercial property need a gas safety certificate?
What you need to know about catering commercial gas certificate that covers catering
Where can I get my LPG gas conversion certificate?
How much does an LPG certificate cost?
Commercial gas safety certificate
What you need to know about commercial gas safety certificate cost?
What certificate does a commercial landlord require for gas?
Commercial catering gas safety certificate law: What you need to know
How to Get the LPG Engineer – One That Issues LPG Gas Safety Certificates
Who is responsible for gas certificates in commercial properties?
