🧾 What Is a Gas Safety Certificate and When Do You Need One?
A Simple Guide for Homeowners, Tenants, and Landlords
Whether you're a landlord, tenant, or homeowner, gas safety is not optional — it's a legal and safety priority. One of the key documents involved in keeping gas appliances safe is the Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a CP12 certificate).
In this post, we'll cover:
- What a Gas Safety Certificate is
- Who needs one (and when)
- What’s included in the inspection
- How to get one
- What happens if you don’t have it
🧾 What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is an official document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after inspecting and testing gas appliances in a property.
It proves that all gas appliances (like boilers, cookers, and fires), pipework, and flues have been checked and are working safely and efficiently at the time of inspection.
🏠 Who Needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
✅ Landlords (Legal Requirement)
If you rent out a property in the UK, you are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each rental property, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
This includes:
- Houses, flats, HMOs
- Holiday lets
- Student accommodation
- Social housing
✅ Tenants (Your Right)
As a tenant, you have the right to:
- Receive a copy of the certificate before you move in
- Be given an updated copy within 28 days of each annual check
If you're unsure whether your rental has a valid certificate — ask your landlord or agent.
🚫 Homeowners (Not a Legal Requirement)
If you own and live in your home, you are not legally required to have a CP12 certificate.
However, you should still get your boiler and gas appliances serviced annually for safety, efficiency, and warranty purposes.
🔍 What Does a Gas Safety Inspection Include?
A qualified engineer will check:
- The condition of your boiler, hob, oven, fire, etc.
- The ventilation and flue system (to ensure fumes are being safely expelled)
- Gas pipework for leaks or corrosion
- That appliances are burning gas correctly and efficiently
- The pressure and safety devices are operating properly
If all is safe, you’ll receive the certificate. If not, the engineer will highlight any faults and may shut off unsafe appliances.
📄 What’s on a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate?
A standard CP12 form includes:
- Your name and property address
- Date of the inspection
- Description and location of each appliance checked
- Any faults found and action taken
- Confirmation of compliance or recommendations for repair
- The Gas Safe engineer’s name, signature, and registration number
⚠️ Landlords must keep copies of these certificates for at least 2 years.
📆 How Often Do You Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Every 12 months.
Landlords must renew the certificate annually and provide tenants with a copy within 28 days of the check.
You can arrange the check up to 2 months early (and still retain the original renewal date).
🚨 What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
If you’re a landlord and fail to obtain a valid certificate, you risk:
- Fines of up to £6,000 per breach
- Invalidating your landlord insurance
- Potential criminal charges if harm occurs
- Being unable to legally evict tenants via Section 21
- Tenant complaints to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
👷 How Do You Get a Gas Safety Certificate?
- Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Book a full gas safety inspection
- If everything is safe, the engineer will issue your CP12 certificate on the same day
Need a gas engineer? We can help 👇
🛠 Need a Gas Safety Certificate or Boiler Check?
At Gas-Go Heating, we offer:
- Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12)
- Annual boiler servicing
- Fault finding and repairs
- Carbon monoxide alarm installation
- Gas appliance installations and upgrades
📅 Book your gas safety check today and stay compliant — and safe.
🏁 Final Thoughts
A Gas Safety Certificate isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s peace of mind.
Whether you’re a landlord with tenants or a homeowner wanting a safe, efficient boiler, regular gas safety checks help keep everyone protected.
✅ Safe home
✅ Legal peace of mind
✅ Fewer breakdowns