What Does a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Cover?
Anyone renting out a property in England and Wales with gas appliances has a legal duty to have those appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with the results recorded on a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate. Sometimes still referred to by its older name, the CP12, this certificate is one of the most important compliance documents a landlord needs to keep in place.
Understanding exactly what the certificate covers, what your responsibilities are as a landlord, and how the process works in practice helps avoid both safety risks and potential legal difficulties. Getting this wrong is not a minor administrative slip, since gas safety failures can have very serious consequences for tenants.
This guide explains what is inspected during the check, your legal obligations as a landlord, and how to keep on top of renewals each year.
What is actually checked
During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer checks every gas appliance in the property that the landlord is responsible for, including boilers, gas fires, and gas cookers where these are provided. The check covers whether each appliance is operating safely, whether ventilation is adequate, whether the flue is functioning correctly to remove combustion gases, and whether gas pressure and burner operation fall within safe parameters. Gas pipework and fittings within the property are also visually inspected for signs of wear or damage.
Who is legally required to have one
Any landlord letting a residential property with gas appliances must arrange this check annually. This applies to private landlords, letting agents managing properties on a landlord's behalf, and applies to houses, flats, and shared accommodation alike. The certificate must be renewed every twelve months without exception, and a new one is required even if no issues were found on the previous check.
Providing the certificate to tenants
Landlords must provide a copy of the current certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the check being carried out, and to new tenants before they move in. Records must be kept for at least two years, and it is sensible practice to keep a longer history in case of any future dispute or query. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in enforcement action.
What happens if a fault is found
If an appliance is found to be unsafe during the check, the engineer will either repair it there and then if it is a straightforward and safe fix, or in more serious cases will disconnect the appliance and label it as dangerous, in line with industry safety procedures. The landlord is then responsible for arranging any necessary repair before the appliance can be used again, and this cannot be delayed given the safety implications.
Combining the certificate with a boiler service
Many landlords choose to book their annual Gas Safety Certificate at the same time as a boiler service, since much of the inspection overlaps and it reduces disruption for tenants by requiring only one visit. We offer a combined boiler service and Gas Safety Certificate for £160 + VAT on weekdays, compared with £99 + VAT for the certificate alone, which covers up to two appliances with £40 + VAT for each additional appliance.
Timing your annual renewal
The certificate is valid for twelve months, and the renewal check can be carried out any time within the two months before the current certificate expires without losing the original renewal date, which gives some flexibility around scheduling. Many landlords find it helpful to book around the same time each year, particularly for portfolios with multiple properties across Wimbledon and neighbouring areas, to keep administration straightforward.
Choosing the right engineer
Always check that any engineer carrying out a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate is Gas Safe registered and qualified for the specific type of appliance being checked, which can be confirmed via their Gas Safe ID card. This is not something to compromise on given the legal and safety responsibilities involved.
Need a plumber or heating engineer?
We arrange appointments across Wimbledon and south west London at clear hourly rates. Call 020 3727 2578 or request an appointment.