As a landlord, keeping your property safe isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also the law. A landlord gas safety certificate is one of the key documents you need to show that your gas appliances are safe for tenants to use. It’s not a one-off task, either. You’re legally required to have a gas safety check every year, and knowing what’s involved can save you time, stress, and money..
What Is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12 certificate, is a document issued after a registered engineer inspects your gas appliances. It confirms that everything is working properly and meets legal safety standards.
If you’re renting out a property, this isn’t optional — it’s required by law under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The certificate must be renewed every 12 months, and a copy should be given to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
It’s a straightforward process, but missing it can have serious consequences. Keeping your certificate up to date shows that you take safety seriously — and protects both you and your tenants.
Why Are Gas Safety Checks Important for Landlords?
It’s easy to think of the gas safety check for landlords as just another task on your to-do list — but its importance goes far beyond compliance. Faulty gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. A simple yearly check could literally save lives.
Having a valid landlord gas certificate also protects you legally and financially. Without it, you could face fines, prosecution, or even prison time if there’s an incident. Plus, most insurance providers won’t cover damage caused by uninspected or unsafe gas systems.
What Does a Gas Safety Check Involve?
Gas safety checks are carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers — and yes, it’s important to check their ID. These inspections aren’t just a box-ticking exercise. The engineer will carefully check that all gas appliances, pipework, vents and flues are working safely and efficiently.
They’ll be looking for signs of wear, leaks, poor ventilation or anything else that might put the property — or your tenants — at risk. The engineer will carry out a gas tightness test to detect any leaks on the gas pipes and appliances. All gas pipes are visually inspected along with the gas meter. After the inspection, you’ll receive a full report and your gas safety certificate.
Appliances Typically Checked
Here’s what the engineer usually looks at during a gas safety check for landlords:
- Boilers – checked for safe operation and flue function
- Gas hobs – tested for correct ignition and burner performance
- Gas fires – assessed for blockages and safe ventilation
Every appliance matters, no matter how small — if it runs on gas, it needs checking.
Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord
Every landlord in the UK is legally required to carry out a gas safety check for landlords once every 12 months. The results must be recorded in a landlord gas certificate, which should be kept for at least two years.
You also have to share the certificate with your tenants. New tenants must receive a copy before moving in, and existing tenants should be given an updated one within 28 days of each annual check.
These aren’t optional steps — they’re part of your legal obligations, and missing them could result in fines or worse.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Skipping your gas safety duties is risky — both for your tenants and your own legal protection. If you don’t carry out the required checks:
- You could face a fine of up to £6,000 per offence
- Your insurance could become invalid
- You may be held liable for any accidents or injuries caused by gas faults
In short: skipping checks isn’t worth the risk. Annual inspections are a small price to pay for safety and peace of mind.
How Kerry Maintenance Can Help
At Kerry Maintenance, we understand how important it is for landlords to stay on top of safety checks. That’s why we offer fast, reliable gas safety checks and issue landlord gas safety certificates with no delays or fuss.
Our Gas Safe registered engineers cover a wide area and work around your schedule, providing you with a 1 hour time slot for your appointment so you don’t have to wait in all day. Whether you’ve got one rental property or ten, we’re here to help you stay compliant, avoid legal problems, and keep your tenants safe. We are happy to arrange the appointment directly with your tenants.
You just give us the go ahead to carry out the check and leave the rest to us. And once we have carried out a gas safety check on your property we will remind you when it’s due again, so you don’t even need to remember 12 months later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a gas safety certificate last?
It’s valid for 12 months from the inspection date.
Who can issue a landlord gas certificate?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally carry out the check and issue the certificate.
Is a CP12 certificate the same as a landlord gas safety certificate?
Yes — CP12 is just another name for the same document.
Do I need one for every rental property I own?
Yes. Each property must have its own certificate, even if you own multiple units in the same building.
What if I have multiple gas appliances?
All gas appliances in the property must be checked and listed on the certificate.
Final Thoughts
Gas safety isn’t something to take lightly. A quick, affordable yearly check keeps your tenants safe, keeps you on the right side of the law, and gives everyone peace of mind.
Need help? Get in touch with Kerry Maintenance today to book your inspection — we’ll handle the hard part so you don’t have to.
