What is a gas safety certificate?

Under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, owners of residential rented properties must arrange a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all pipework, appliances and flues in each of the properties which the landlord owns and provides for tenants to use. These properties could include the following:

• homes rented by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, housing co-operatives, hostels.
• rooms let in bed-sit accommodation, private households, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels.
• rented holiday accommodation such as chalets, cottages, flats, caravans and narrow boats.
  
  

Following the gas safety check, a Landlord Gas Safety Record (gas safety certificate), also known as CP12, will be issued to the landlord, which details the checks carried out by the engineer and if the appliances checked meet the appropriate safety standards. The landlord must keep a record of the safety check for two years, give a copy to each tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in. 

How often do you need to have a gas safety check?

Landlords must also arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Information for landlords – what are your responsibilities

If you are the landlord of a property with gas appliances, you have three areas of responsibility under UK law:

• Maintenance: gas pipework, appliances and chimney/flues need to be maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Gas safety checks: heating and cooking gas appliances and flues must be safety checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, who will issue a Landlord Gas Safety Record.  
• Record: a record of the safety check must be kept for two years, a copy given to each tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and a copy issued to any new tenants before they move in.   
  
  

Find out more here. 

Information for tenants – how to stay gas safe in rented accommodation

Under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, your landlord is responsible for making sure gas appliances, pipework and flues in the property you rent are maintained and serviced properly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They also have to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out a gas safety check every year and provide you with a copy of the gas safety certificate, called a Landlord Gas Safety Record.

You can make sure you stay gas safe in your rented home by carrying out the following simple steps:

• Letting the Gas Safe registered engineer in to your home to carry out the gas safety check; your landlord should let you know when they have arranged for the engineer to visit. It is a good idea to ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe card when they arrive.
• Any gas appliances that belong to you, rather than the landlord, are your responsibility. Make sure you get them serviced every year to ensure they are in safe working condition.
• If a carbon monoxide alarm isn’t already fitted, ask your landlord to fit one or buy your own. They are widely available and relatively inexpensive – and once you have your own, you can take it with you to future homes and even to make sure you are safe in holiday accommodation!
• Report any signs that gas appliances may not be working properly to your landlord, for example soot or staining around the appliance, excess condensation in the room or a pilot light which keeps going out.
  
  

If your landlord refuses to carry out their legal gas responsibilities, contact the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) or call 0800 300 363

Find more frequently asked questions here and more information for tenants here.