Gas safety certificates for landlords
By the Dome team · Reviewed
If your rental property has gas appliances, the law requires a gas safety check every year. Here is what that means in practice. This is a general guide, not legal advice.
The short answer
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must have every gas appliance, fitting and flue they provide checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The engineer issues a gas safety record, often called a CP12 or landlord gas safety certificate.
What the check covers
- Gas appliances you provide, such as the boiler, hob, oven and gas fires.
- Pipework and fittings.
- Flues and chimneys connected to those appliances.
Appliances owned by your tenant are not covered by your annual check, but you remain responsible for the flues and pipework that serve them.
Who can do it
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card, and check the back of the card shows they are qualified for the type of appliance being checked. You can confirm registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Deadlines to remember
- Give a copy of the record to new tenants before they move in.
- Give existing tenants a copy within 28 days of each new check.
- Keep each record for at least two years.
- You can have the check done up to two months before the due date and keep the original anniversary date.
If your tenant won't give access
You must take all reasonable steps to carry out the check. Give written notice, offer alternative times, and keep a record of every attempt in case you need to show what you did.
What happens if you don't
Failing to carry out the check is a criminal offence and can lead to fines or prison. A missing record can also affect your ability to regain possession of the property.
Gas safety is one item on a longer list. See the full landlord compliance checklist. Dome tracks your gas safety due date and arranges the check as part of full management.
Frequently asked questions
How often do landlords need a gas safety certificate?
Every 12 months. The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
When must I give my tenant the gas safety record?
Before new tenants move in, and to existing tenants within 28 days of each check.
What if my tenant refuses access for the gas check?
You must take all reasonable steps: give written notice, offer alternative times and keep a record of every attempt.
