Gas safety certificate (CP12) — what landlords need to know
Check the steps below first — if you're not confident, get it fixed safely today.
Post a job — we'll find you an engineer →Not sure if this matches your problem?
Use our interactive tool — answer a few questions and get a personalised diagnosis.
Most likely cause & what to check
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require private landlords to have all gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their rental properties inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The resulting document is the Gas Safety Record (sometimes called a CP12 or landlord gas safety certificate).
The inspection covers: gas pipework and meter, all gas appliances (boiler, gas hob, gas fire, gas oven), flues and ventilation, operating pressures and combustion. If any item is found unsafe, the engineer will issue an Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR) notice and the appliance must be isolated.
As a landlord, you must give tenants a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of it being completed, or before they move in for new tenancies. You must keep a record for at least 2 years.
Failure to comply carries an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and makes your property's buildings insurance potentially void in the event of a claim. Since April 2018, landlords must also have a valid gas safety record before they can serve a Section 21 notice to evict a tenant.
The annual inspection costs £60–£150 depending on location and the number of appliances. Shop around — some Gas Safe engineers offer landlord packages covering multiple properties.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a separate document (required for rentals to have minimum E rating). A boiler service is separate from the safety check but can often be combined on the same visit for a combined fee.
This job needs a qualified engineer — post it now
Post the job and we'll match you with vetted local engineers. Free, no obligation.
Was this guide helpful?
Frequently asked questions
How often do landlords need a gas safety check?
Every 12 months without exception. The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and a copy of the Gas Safety Record must be given to tenants within 28 days of completion. Records must be kept for at least 2 years.
What happens if I don't have a gas safety certificate as a landlord?
Failure to have an annual gas safety check carries an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison. It also invalidates your buildings insurance for gas-related incidents, and — since April 2018 — prevents you from serving a valid Section 21 eviction notice.
Does a gas safety check cover all gas appliances?
Yes — the check covers all gas appliances in the property, including the boiler, any gas hobs or ovens, gas fires, and the gas pipework and meter. Any appliance found to be Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR) must be taken out of service immediately.
How much does a landlord gas safety check cost?
Typically £60–£150 depending on location and number of appliances. Engineers who offer landlord packages for multiple properties often provide a discounted rate. Costs in London and the South East tend to be at the higher end.