Guide to gas safety certificates
Everyone should have their gas appliances regularly checked to make sure they’re safe. And if you’re a landlord or tenant, you’ll need a gas safety certificate.
What is a gas safety certificate, and why do you need one? Here's the lowdown.
Everyone should have their gas appliances regularly checked to make sure they’re safe. And if you’re a landlord or tenant, you’ll need a gas safety certificate.
What is a gas safety certificate, and why do you need one? Here's the lowdown.
What is a gas safety certificate?
You’ll receive a gas safety certificate after an engineer checks your gas appliances are working safely and efficiently. It’s sometimes also called a gas safety record, landlord gas safety record, or CP12.
It’s vital that your gas appliances and pipes are safe. If they’re not, there’s a risk of gas leaks, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which can be extremely serious – and even fatal.
A gas safety record proves you’ve carried out the right safety checks. There’s no standard design for a gas safety certificate, so don’t worry if the document you receive looks different to one you’ve previously received.
Who needs a gas safety certificate?
If you’re a landlord
It’s your responsibility to keep your property safe for tenants to live in. The law requires you to have a Gas Safe-registered engineer carry out a safety check every year. When you receive your landlord gas safety record, you’ll need to send your tenants a copy within 28 days of the check being carried out.
If you’re a homeowner
You’re not legally required to have a gas safety check, but it’s a good idea to have your boiler and gas appliances checked each year. It’s also important to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.
A detector or alarm can give you and your family peace of mind. If you have a gas safety check, ask the engineer to give you documents that show you’ve had it done.
If you’re a tenant
Your landlord must give you a copy of the property’s gas safety record within 28 days of the check. If you haven’t seen yours, ask your landlord or letting agent why. If you bring your own gas appliance, like an oven, it’s your responsibility to get it checked out. This isn’t the landlord’s job, although they are accountable for the gas pipework supplying the appliance.
What does a gas safety check involve?
A qualified engineer will check all your gas appliances, including your boiler, oven, hob and fires (if you have them), as well as chimneys and flues.
The engineer will check an appliance is:
- On the right setting so the gas burns correctly
- Suitable for the room it’s in
- Stable, secure and safely connected to the property’s gas pipework
The engineer will also make sure there’s enough ventilation around the appliance and that harmful gases are directed safely to the air outside.
What does a gas safety certificate show?
Among other things, your gas safety certificate will tell you:
- The address where the check took place
- The landlord or letting agent’s address
- Which appliances were tested and where they’re located
- The date the check was carried out
- The results of the safety check
- About any potential safety issues
- What, if anything, you need to do to make the appliance safe
- Who performed the safety check.
How do I get a gas safety certificate?
It’s easy to get a gas safety certificate – just request one from a gas engineer. Make sure your engineer is Gas Safe-registered, or the certificate won’t be legal. If in doubt, check the Gas Safe Register.
If you’re a landlord, you can get a gas safety check and annual boiler service included with landlord boiler cover.
How long does a gas safety certificate last?
Landlords need to get a new gas safety certificate every year, so make a note in your calendar when yours is due for renewal.
The law requires landlords to keep gas safety certificates for two years, so hold onto yours in case you need it, even if it’s out of date.
Some gas companies let you access your certificate online, but they must give you a hard copy if you ask for one.
How much does a gas safety certificate cost?
Prices will vary depending on where you live, who you go to, and how many appliances you need to have checked. But you can expect to pay anywhere between £35 and £99 for a gas safety certificate.
The cheapest way to get a gas safety certificate is to shop around. It’s worth getting at least three quotes so you can compare prices.
Remember to check exactly what’s included – many companies charge per appliance, so you may find that, while the advertised price is cheap, the costs rack up once you’ve factored in all your appliances.
Do I need to provide my tenants with any other certificates?
Yes, landlords also need an electrical safety certificate. Electrical installations in private rented accommodation must be checked every five years. You’ll need to give your tenants a copy of the electrical safety report. Your local council may also ask for a copy.
You’ll also need to provide an energy performance certificate, or EPC. You can only let out your property if it receives an EPC rating of E or higher.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a gas safety certificate if I have a lodger?
If you have a lodger who pays your rent, you’re classed as a landlord. That means you’re legally required to have a gas safety check every year.
I have family members staying in my home – do I need a gas safety certificate?
If your family members aren’t paying rent, you’re not legally required to have an annual gas safety check – however, it is recommended.
I have students staying with me on exchange trips
If you’re paid to have students stay with you for short periods, you’re effectively classed as a landlord. That means you’ll need to have annual gas safety checks.
