As a landlord, ensuring the safety of your tenants is a top priority. One of the most important aspects of this responsibility is obtaining a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a Gas Safety Record, CP12 Certificate, Gas Safety Check, Landlord Gas Check, Landlord Gas Safety Check, Landlords gas certificate). This certificate is not just a formality but a legal requirement in the UK to ensure that gas appliances, fittings, and flues in your rental property are safe and properly maintained.

GasElecBag offers a fast and efficient Landlord Gas Safety Certificate service. With years of experience working with landlords, tenants and property managers, we make compliance hassle-free. Call now to book your certificate (and optional gas boiler service package)!

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate, why it’s important, what’s included in the checks, the penalties for not complying, and your legal obligations as a landlord.

Summary for quick reference

• Annual gas safety checks (legal requirement): Landlords must legally have gas appliances, flues, and pipework inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer once every 12 months.
• Appliances covered: Inspections must include all gas appliances, typically boilers, hobs, ovens, and fires to ensure they are safe for tenants. Also the gas pipework, easy to forget!
• Continuous responsibility: Landlords are legally responsible for gas safety year-round, even between annual checks.
• Carbon monoxide alarms (legal): Landlords must install carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a gas burning appliance and ensure batteries are checked regularly for tenant safety. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is fitted in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
• Pipework inspection: Even if pipework is hidden, landlords are legally liable for inspecting for damage, faults, or leaks.
• Provide certificate to tenants (legal): A copy of the Gas Safety Certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of inspection, and records must be kept for 2 years.
• Gas Safe registered engineer (mandatory): Inspections and certificates must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It’s recommended to have biannual checks for added safety.
• Legal penalties: Failure to comply with gas safety laws can result in unlimited fines, up to 6 months in prison, and eviction notice complications.
• Liability for damages: If any faults cause harm or damage, landlords are liable, even if they occur between annual checks.
• Stay safe: Regular, proactive checks of appliances and pipework are not just for compliance but also to prevent serious hazards like gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate is Important

First and foremost, gas safety is crucial for protecting both your tenants and your property. Faulty gas appliances can lead to serious risks such as gas leaks, fires, explosions, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year, gas-related incidents cause fatalities and injuries, which is why strict safety standards are in place.

Having a valid Gas Safety Certificate not only ensures that your property meets legal requirements, but also gives your tenants peace of mind knowing that all gas appliances and systems are working safely. Plus, as a landlord, having the certificate protects you legally and financially.

For more information on why gas safety is crucial, you can visit the official UK Gas Safety Website.

The Law on Landlord Gas Safety Certificates

According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 , it is a legal requirement for landlords to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in their rental properties are safe. The law applies to all types of rented accommodation, including houses, flats, student housing, and holiday lets.

• Certificate valid for 12 months/1 year: The certificate is valid for 12 months, after which a new inspection is required. There must be no gaps between the certificate dates.
• Gas Safe registered engineer: The landlord is responsible for ensuring a registered Gas Safe engineer carries out the checks and indicates their registration number on the certificate. The Landlord is liable if the engineer is NOT Gas Safe registered, make sure you verify.
• Every gas appliance and pipework: The annual gas safety check must be carried out on every gas appliance and flue within the property.

You can find the full legislation on the UK Government’s official page here.

Beware of Fake, Unqualified, and Unregistered Tradespeople Working on Gas

Unfortunately, there are illegal operatives who offer gas services without proper qualifications or registration. As a landlord, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that the gas engineer you hire is legally registered with Gas Safe. Hiring an unqualified person could result in unsafe installations, putting your tenants and property at risk, a risk NOT worth even considering.

Follow these steps to verify the legitimacy of a gas engineer:

• Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card: Every registered engineer carries a Gas Safe ID card. Always ask to see it before they start work.

• Check the ID card details: Ensure that the details on the card match the service being provided. The back of the card will list what the engineer is qualified to work on, such as boilers, cookers, or fires.

• Look for the Gas Safe logo: The Gas Safe logo should be clearly visible on their ID card, vehicles, and any official documentation.

• Verify online: Use the official Gas Safe Register website to search for the engineer or company by name or registration number. This is the most reliable way to confirm they are qualified.

• Contact Gas Safe directly: If you have doubts, call the Gas Safe Register helpline at 0800 408 5500 to verify the engineer’s credentials.

• Never trust verbal claims: Do not accept a gas engineer’s qualifications based solely on verbal confirmation. Always request proof.

• Illegal gas work is a criminal offence: Remember that anyone working on gas without proper qualifications is breaking the law and putting lives at risk.

• What to do if in doubt: If you suspect someone is working illegally or unsafely, report them to Gas Safe immediately.

Ensuring you hire a Gas Safe registered engineer protects you, your property, and your tenants from serious risks like gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Always be vigilant and take the necessary steps to validate their credentials. For more information, visit the official Gas Safe Register website.

What Happens If The Landlord Does Not Comply?

Failure to comply with the gas safety regulations can result in serious consequences for landlords, including:

• Fines: You could face an unlimited fine.
• Imprisonment: In extreme cases, landlords could face up to 6 months in prison.
• Invalidated insurance: If a gas-related incident occurs and you don’t have a valid Gas Safety Certificate, your landlord insurance may not cover the damages or liability.
• Prosecution: Non-compliance can result in legal action and potential civil claims from tenants.

For more on the penalties for non-compliance, you can check the official HSE guidance here.

What’s Included in a Gas Safety Check?

When a Gas Safe registered engineer performs a gas safety check, they will inspect and test every appliance and the visible pipework, typically this includes the following:

• Gas pipework: The engineer will check that the visible and accessible gas pipework is secure and free from leaks. Note, hidden, buried and generally inaccessible pipework will NOT be checked, but remains the responsibility of the Landlord. Consider a more in-depth inspection by special agreement with the Gas Safe registered company.
• Gas meter: The meter will be inspected to ensure accurate readings and safe operation.
• Flue and ventilation: The flue (responsible for removing harmful gases) and ventilation systems will be checked to ensure they are working properly.
• Appliance connections: The connection of each appliance will be checked for safety.
• All Gas Appliances: All gas appliances are checked, they must all have a local gas cut off valve. Typically for residential homes, gas appliances include the following:
  • Gas boiler: The boiler will be checked for safe operation and efficiency.
  • Gas hob, gas cooker, gas oven: The cooking appliances will be inspected for proper flame function and gas flow.
  • Gas fire: If applicable, gas fires will be checked for safe operation and proper ventilation.

During the check, the engineer will look for signs of damage, leaks, or faulty parts, and may recommend repairs or replacements if needed.

Common Appliances That Require Inspection

As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that any gas appliances in the property are safe. Common gas appliances that require an annual inspection include:

• Gas boilers: Ensuring that the heating system is functioning efficiently and safely.
• Gas hobs and ovens: Checking the appliance for proper operation and safety.
• Gas fires: Ensuring that gas fires are properly ventilated and not emitting harmful fumes.

It’s important to note that even if the tenant has their own gas appliances (e.g., a personal gas hob), the landlord is still responsible for ensuring that the gas supply and any pipework connected to it are safe.

Landlord Duties Under Gas Safety Regulations

Being a landlord comes with several legal duties under the Gas Safety Regulations:

1. Annual Checks: You must arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer once every 12 months.
2. Record Keeping: You must keep a record of the gas safety check, known as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
3. Provide a Copy: A copy of the certificate must be given to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection or to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
4. Retain Records: You must retain gas safety records for at least 2 years.
5. Maintain Appliances: Landlords are responsible for the maintenance of all gas appliances, pipework, and flues. It is recommended to service appliances regularly as advised by the manufacturer.

If you are uncertain about your legal duties, you can refer to the official Gas Safe Register guidance here.

Promoting Safety: Why It Matters

Ensuring gas safety isn’t just about complying with the law—it’s about preventing serious accidents. Gas leaks can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which can have devastating consequences. Regular gas safety checks can identify potential problems early, allowing you to fix them before they become dangerous.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly dangerous as it’s often referred to as the “silent killer.” It’s a colorless, odorless gas that can be emitted by faulty gas appliances. Ensuring that appliances are safe and properly maintained could be the difference between life and death.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit CO Gas Safety.

Consequences of Not Having a Gas Safety Certificate

Failure to provide a Gas Safety Certificate doesn’t just put tenants at risk—it also puts landlords in legal jeopardy. If an incident occurs and a valid gas safety certificate isn’t in place, you could face severe penalties.

• Eviction issues: Without a valid certificate, you may face complications if you need to evict tenants. According to Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, you cannot serve a valid eviction notice without providing an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate.
• Increased liability: If an accident occurs (such as a gas leak or explosion), you could be held liable for damages, including injury or death, if you have failed to provide a gas safety certificate.

To avoid such risks, always keep your certificate up to date and ensure that all gas safety checks are performed annually.

Older and no longer in use: CP12 and CORGI

Here’s a quick breakdown of the old and current terminology for gas safety certification in the UK, to help avoid confusion:

• Old CORGI: The CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) was the regulatory body for gas engineers in the UK before 2009. It no longer exists.

• Old CP12: The CP12 certificate was the old term for a gas safety certificate issued under CORGI regulation.

• Current (Gas Safe): Since 2009, CORGI has been replaced by the Gas Safe Register as the official body for gas safety, it manages an official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work legally on gas appliances.

• Current (Landlord Gas Safety Certificate): Now officially called the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate, this certificate is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after inspecting gas appliances and pipework.

Conclusion

The Landlord Gas Safety Certificate is a critical part of your legal obligations as a landlord. It ensures the safety of your tenants, protects your property, and keeps you compliant with the law. Failing to maintain gas safety could lead to significant fines, legal action, and, more importantly, put lives at risk.

GasElecBag offers a fast and efficient Landlord Gas Safety Certificate service. With years of experience working with landlords, tenants and property managers, we make compliance hassle-free. Call now to book your certificate (and optional gas boiler service package)!

Make sure to schedule regular gas safety checks, keep a record of your certificates, and always provide your tenants with a copy. Gas safety is not just a box to tick—it’s an essential part of being a responsible landlord.

For more detailed information, check out the official Gas Safe Register website here and the UK government’s gas safety guidance here.