If you’re a landlord with gas appliances in your rental properties, you’re legally required to have them checked annually and hold a valid gas safety certificate. This guide covers the key points in plain language.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Commonly called a CP12, it’s the official record of a gas safety inspection carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The certificate shows what appliances were checked, what was found, and whether everything is safe to use.
Who needs one?
Anyone letting out a property with:
- A gas boiler
- A gas fire or heater
- A gas hob or cooker
- Any other gas appliance
If there’s gas in the property, you need a certificate. If the property is all-electric, you don’t.
See: Gas Safety Certificates for full details on what’s included.
How often do you need one?
Every 12 months. The check must be carried out within 12 months of the last one, and the new certificate issued before the old one expires.
If you’re taking on a new tenancy, the certificate must be provided to the tenant:
- Before they move in, or
- Within 28 days of the check being completed
What gets checked during a gas safety inspection?
The engineer will inspect and test all gas appliances, pipework, and flues. Typical checks include:
- Appliance safety: Is it working safely and correctly?
- Flue operation: Is it venting combustion gases properly?
- Ventilation: Is there adequate air supply for safe combustion?
- Gas tightness: Are there any leaks in the system?
- Defects: Any issues are recorded and classified (immediately dangerous, at risk, or not to current standards)
If something is classed as immediately dangerous, the engineer is required to isolate the appliance or supply and issue a warning notice.
Is a CP12 the same as a boiler service?
No. They’re related, but different.
- A CP12 checks that appliances are safe and meet legal standards.
- A boiler service is maintenance — cleaning components, checking performance, and keeping the boiler running reliably.
Many landlords book both together to stay compliant and avoid breakdowns. See: Boiler Servicing
What if the tenant won’t let you in?
You’re required by law to carry out the checks, but you can’t force entry. Best practice:
- Give proper written notice (usually 24 hours, though your tenancy agreement may specify more)
- Offer multiple appointment times
- Keep records of all communication
If the tenant repeatedly refuses access, seek legal advice — you may need to involve the local authority or take further action under the tenancy agreement.
What happens if you don’t have a certificate?
You’re breaking the law. Penalties can include:
- Fines (up to £6,000 per offence in some cases)
- Prosecution
- Invalidation of landlord insurance
- Issues with mortgage lenders
- Being unable to evict tenants using a Section 21 notice
It’s not worth the risk. The cost of an annual check is small compared to the potential consequences.
See: Landlords for a full overview of compliance requirements.
Can you do the checks yourself?
No. Gas safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Your Gas Safe registration number (ours is 972035) must appear on the certificate.
What about other safety checks?
Gas safety is just one part of landlord compliance. You may also need:
- Electrical safety checks (every 5 years in most cases)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (legal requirement in all rental properties)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Do short-term lets need CP12 certificates?
It depends. If you’re letting out a property as a short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb, holiday let), you may still need a gas safety certificate if gas appliances are present. The rules vary slightly depending on whether it’s classed as self-catering or serviced accommodation, so check with your local authority or letting agent if you’re unsure.
How do you arrange a gas safety check?
If you manage one or two properties, it’s usually straightforward:
- Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Book the check before the current certificate expires
- Provide access to all appliances
- Receive the certificate and provide a copy to the tenant
If you manage multiple properties, many engineers (including us) offer landlord packages to make scheduling easier. See: Gas Safety in Stockton
What should you keep on record?
- A copy of every gas safety certificate for at least two years
- Proof that the certificate was given to the tenant (e.g., signed receipt, email confirmation)
- Records of any repair work carried out following the inspection
What if something needs fixing?
If the inspection finds a fault, the engineer will explain:
- What the issue is
- How serious it is
- What needs to be done
- Approximate timescales and costs
Minor issues can often be fixed on the spot. Larger repairs may need a follow-up visit or specialist work.
If an appliance is deemed immediately dangerous, it will be isolated and cannot be used until repaired or replaced.
Can you use a different engineer each year?
Yes, as long as they’re Gas Safe registered. Some landlords prefer to stick with one engineer for consistency, while others shop around. Either approach is fine.
What about new appliances?
If you install a new gas appliance (e.g., replace a boiler or add a gas fire), it should be checked and added to the next annual gas safety certificate. The installation itself must be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer, who will issue a separate installation certificate.
See: Boiler Installation
Final thoughts
Gas safety compliance isn’t complicated, but it is non-negotiable. The annual check takes less than an hour in most cases, the certificate is straightforward, and the cost is minimal compared to the legal and safety risks of skipping it.
If you’re managing properties in Teesside and want to set up annual checks or have questions about what’s required, get in touch.
Book a gas safety check or contact us for landlord-specific advice.