Landlord gas safety certificates (CP12): what you need to know

If you let out a property with any gas appliance, boiler, hob, fire, the law is simple: a Gas Safe registered engineer must check it every 12 months, and you must give tenants a copy of the record. That record is commonly called a CP12, or officially a Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR).

What the check covers

The engineer inspects every gas appliance and flue in the property:

• Appliances are burning gas safely and at the right pressure
• Flues and chimneys are venting combustion gases outside properly
• Ventilation is adequate
• Safety devices work

Each appliance gets a pass or fail on the record. It is a safety inspection, not a service, though having the boiler serviced at the same visit is common sense, since the engineer is already there and most boiler warranties require an annual service anyway.

The rules that catch landlords out

Timing. The check is due every 12 months. Renew in the final two months before expiry and you keep your original renewal date, so there's no reason to leave it late.

Paperwork. Existing tenants must get a copy of the new record within 28 days of the check. New tenants must get one before they move in. Keep each record for at least two years.

Section 21 consequences. In England, failing to provide a valid gas safety record can block a Section 21 eviction notice, a paperwork slip that can cost you possession of your own property.

Penalties. Letting without a valid record is a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. And if the worst happens with carbon monoxide, the record is the first thing investigators ask for.

Alarms too. Rentals must have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (gas boilers included). Cheap to fit, illegal to skip.

What if an appliance fails?

The engineer will mark it "at risk" or "immediately dangerous", and may (with your or the tenant's permission) disconnect it. You must fix dangerous appliances before they're used again, an engineer can't legally leave a dangerous appliance connected.

How we make it painless

We do CP12s across Eastleigh, Southampton, Winchester and the surrounding SO postcodes, and we handle the annoying bits: we liaise with your tenants directly to arrange access, email you the certificate the same day, and remind you before next year's is due so you never drift out of date. Multiple properties? We'll put them on the same cycle.

Landlord certificates → or call 07969 110679. Gas Safe registered #503986, you can check us on the register.