Understanding Your Landlord Gas Safety Certificate

If you're a landlord in the UK, obtaining and maintaining a valid Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a CP12) is one of your most important legal obligations. This certificate ensures that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in your rental property are safe for tenant use.

What is a CP12 Certificate?

A CP12 certificate is an official document issued after a Gas Safe registered engineer inspects all gas appliances and installations in your rental property. The inspection covers boilers, gas cookers, gas fires, and any other gas-powered equipment. The engineer checks that appliances are functioning correctly, safely installed, and properly ventilated to prevent dangerous situations like carbon monoxide leaks.

Legal Requirements for Landlords

By law, landlords must have all gas appliances in their rental properties checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This applies to all residential lettings, including houses, flats, and rooms. You must provide a copy of the current gas safety certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in. The certificate must be kept for at least two years.

What's Included in the Inspection?

During the gas safety check, the engineer will inspect each gas appliance for correct operation and safety. They'll examine flues and ventilation to ensure proper exhaust of combustion gases, check gas pressure and flow, verify that appliances are securely installed, and test for gas leaks. Any issues found will be documented on the certificate, with appliances rated as either "safe to use," requiring attention, or immediately dangerous.

Cost and Scheduling

Gas safety certificates typically cost between £60-£90 depending on the number of appliances and property location. It's wise to schedule your annual check a few weeks before your current certificate expires to ensure continuous compliance. Many landlords schedule inspections on a rolling annual basis to maintain consistency and avoid gaps in coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to maintain a valid gas safety certificate can result in severe penalties. Landlords can face fines of up to £6,000, prosecution, or even imprisonment in serious cases. Additionally, your landlord insurance may be invalidated, and you could be held liable if an incident occurs. Beyond legal consequences, non-compliance puts your tenants at serious risk and damages your reputation as a responsible landlord.

Don't risk your tenants' safety or your legal standing. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to schedule your annual gas safety inspection and ensure full compliance with all regulations.