Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Requirements

What is a CP12?

A CP12 (also called a Landlord Gas Safety Record or Gas Safety Certificate) is the official record of an annual gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It covers all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in the property.

Legal requirements

• Annual check — Gas safety check must be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• New tenants — Copy of CP12 must be provided before tenant moves in
• Existing tenants — Copy must be provided within 28 days of the check
• Records — Keep records for at least 2 years
• Maintenance — All gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be maintained in a safe condition

What the check covers

• All gas boilers, fires, and heaters
• Gas cookers and hobs (if landlord-provided)
• Gas pipework throughout the property
• Flues and ventilation
• Safety devices and controls

Penalties for non-compliance

Failure to comply with gas safety regulations is a criminal offence under Regulation 36 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998:

• Unlimited fine in the magistrates' court
• Up to 6 months imprisonment
• Insurance invalidation — Your property insurance may be void
• Possession proceedings blocked — Some courts will not grant possession if gas safety is not up to date
• Civil liability — If a tenant is injured due to a gas safety failure, the landlord faces significant civil claims

Tenant access issues

If a tenant refuses access for a gas safety check, you should document all attempts to arrange access, send formal written notices (LetCompliance can generate these), and if necessary seek a court order. Keep evidence of every attempt — this protects you if prosecuted.

Finding a Gas Safe engineer

Only use engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register (formerly CORGI). Check registration at GasSafeRegister.co.ukor call 0800 408 5500. Always ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID card.