If you rent out property in the UK, it is your legal duty to have all gas appliances made safe. The Landlord Gas Safety Certificate — or CP12 — is right at the centre of your duty.
It isn’t just a case of checking the box. Without a proper certificate, you could be putting tenants in harm’s way and putting yourself at risk of fines, prosecution, or even trouble in regaining possession of your property.
What Is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
A gas safety certificate is a certificate issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after inspection of all the gas appliances, pipework, and flues within your rented accommodation. It confirms the system as being safe to use when inspected.
- Renewed annually every 12 months
- A copy needs to be given to the tenants within 28 days
- New tenants are best provided with a copy on moving in
Even if your property has only a gas hob or boiler, you’re still legally required to have a certificate.
Who Needs One?
The law covers any landlord who lets a property with a gas supply, including:
- Private landlords
- Housing associations
- Local councils
- Student accommodation providers
- Holiday lets (if let for more than 28 days per year)
What Does the Inspection Cover?
A Gas Safe engineer will examine:
Gas boilers
Gas cookers or hobs
Gas fires
Pipework and connections
Flues and chimneys
They’ll search for:
Safe operation and condition of appliances
Proper ventilation
Flue performance (to ensure harmful gases are vented properly)
Correct gas pressure
Signs of wear, damage, or unsafe setups
After the inspection, you’ll receive a report listing any faults or concerns and whether the property passed or failed.
What If Something Fails the Inspection?
If an issue is found, it will be classified as:
At Risk (AR) – The system may become unsafe if a fault develops
Immediately Dangerous (ID) – The unit is a direct threat and must be shut off
You, as the landlord, must get repairs completed as soon as possible. Tenants must be kept informed and apprised once repair has been accomplished.
Why Is This So Important?
- It’s a Legal Requirement
Renting a property without a proper certificate is a criminal offence. Fines can be substantial, prosecution can follow, or, in extreme situations, imprisonment.
- It Keeps Tenants Safe
Defective gas systems can cause leaks, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning — which can kill. Simple annual checks cut that risk.
- It Guards Against Losing Your Insurance
Complying policies may be required to meet landlord insurance requirements. If you do not have a valid certificate, your cover might be rendered invalid in the case of an accident.
- It Stops Costly Damage
Leakage or appliance failure can cause structural or fire damage. It stops more serious (and costly) problems by identifying it early on.
Being Compliant: What to Do, Landlords
Use a Gas Safe engineer – Always request their ID or verify them on the official Gas Safe Register
Book annual inspections – Don’t leave it until the last minute
Keep records for at least two years – You will have to provide proof to tenants or authorities
Act quickly to faults – Repair and re-check immediately
Do New Builds or New Boilers Need a CP12?
Yes. Brand new houses or newly installed gas boilers must have a gas safety check within 12 months of installation. A boiler’s commissioning certificate is not an alternative to a CP12.
Can I Use a Digital Certificate?
Yes. Most engineers now issue electronic gas safety certificates. These are just as acceptable as paper ones and can be sent immediately by email to tenants or stored safely to refer to in the future.
Last Word
Gas safety is not just a matter of avoiding fines — it’s about being a decent human being to your tenants and protecting your property.
A genuine gas safety certificate shows that you’re committed to your duties. It makes tenants trust you, supports your insurance, and keeps you within the law. Contact us for more information on landlord gas safety certificates North London.
If you’re unsure when your last check was done or if your certificate is up to date, don’t wait any longer. Book an inspection with a Gas Safe registered engineer and keep your property safe, legal, and insured.