Quick answer
Everything UK landlords need to know about the annual gas safety certificate (CP12) — legal requirements, costs, and what happens if you let without one.
Every UK landlord with gas appliances in a rental property must obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate — officially a Landlord Gas Safety Record, commonly called a CP12. There are no exceptions and no grace periods.
What the law requires
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must:
- Ensure all gas appliances, flues, and pipework are maintained in a safe condition
- Have an annual safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Provide tenants with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the check
- Give new tenants a copy before they move in
- Keep records for at least two years
This applies to boilers, gas fires, cookers, and any gas installation in the property — including appliances owned by the tenant that are connected to the landlord’s pipework.
What the inspection covers
A Gas Safe engineer will check:
- Gas appliances for safe operation and correct burning pressure
- Flues and chimneys for adequate removal of combustion products
- Ventilation requirements
- Gas pipework for leaks
- Safety devices on appliances
If defects are found, they must be remedied before a certificate is issued. Some issues require immediate disconnection.
Costs and timing
A gas safety check typically costs £60–£100 depending on the number of appliances and your location. Schedule checks annually from the date of the previous certificate, not the tenancy start date — allowing a two-month window before expiry without invalidating the previous certificate.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment
- Invalid Section 21 possession notices
- Invalid Section 8 notices on some grounds
- Local authority enforcement action
- Potential liability if a tenant is harmed by an unsafe appliance
Common landlord mistakes
- Assuming the boiler service covers the legal safety check (it may not — ensure you get a Landlord Gas Safety Record)
- Forgetting to renew when the same tenant stays for years
- Using an engineer who is Gas Safe registered but not for the specific appliance type
- Not providing the certificate copy to tenants
Let us handle it
Tracking certificate expiry dates across a portfolio is tedious. Our Doncaster property management service schedules gas safety checks proactively, coordinates access with tenants, and stores certificates for your records.
Part of our broader landlord legal requirements service. Contact us for a compliance review.