A landlord gas safety certificate, often called a CP12, is the record of the gas safety check that landlords must have carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It covers the gas appliances, fittings and flues the landlord provides for tenants.
This guide covers the main rules for landlords in England, based on the Health and Safety Executive guidance.
What is a CP12?
CP12 is the name most people use for the landlord gas safety record. The name comes from the form that was once used for it. The legal requirement is for a gas safety record. It does not have to be on any particular form, as long as it includes the right details.
The record lists the appliances checked, any defects found and what was done about them, and it identifies the engineer who carried out the check.
Keeping a digital copy as well as the paper one makes it easy to send to tenants and letting agents when you need to.
How often do you need one?
Every 12 months. The check must be carried out within 12 months of the previous one.
You can have the check done up to two months before the due date and still keep the original expiry date, so you do not lose any time by booking early.
Failing to have the check done is a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and the Health and Safety Executive can prosecute. Put the renewal date in your diary and book well ahead.
Who can carry out the check?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. Every registered engineer carries a Gas Safe ID card, and you can check the card and the engineer’s qualifications on the Gas Safe Register website.
The back of the card shows the types of gas work the engineer is qualified to do, such as boilers, cookers or gas fires. Make sure it covers the appliances in your property.
If you use a letting agent, check your contract. Where the agent has taken on the job of arranging gas safety checks, they share the legal duty with you.
What you must give your tenants
The rules on paperwork are clear:
- Existing tenants must be given a copy of the record within 28 days of the check
- New tenants must be given a copy before they move in
- You must keep each record for at least two years
- Records can be kept electronically, as long as they are secure and identify the engineer
What the check covers
The landlord is responsible for the gas appliances, pipework and flues they provide for the tenants to use. Appliances the tenant owns are the tenant’s responsibility, although the landlord is still responsible for the pipework and the installation they are connected to.
Since 1 October 2022, landlords in England must also fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, not counting gas cookers.
During the check, the engineer looks at whether each appliance is set up and burning correctly, whether the flues are clear and working, whether there is enough ventilation and whether the safety devices work.
Gas safety checks and boiler servicing
A gas safety check confirms the appliances are safe to use. It is not the same as a full service, which looks after how well the boiler works over time.
Landlords also have a duty to keep gas appliances maintained, and an annual service is the usual way to do that. Having the service and the safety check done on the same visit saves arranging access twice.
If a check finds a problem, the engineer will record it and explain what needs doing. An appliance found to be dangerous should not be used until it has been repaired.
Need a gas engineer?
G Freeman Gas Heating and Plumbing carries out landlord gas safety checks on all the gas appliances in a property across Gloucester, Cheltenham and the surrounding area, and issues the CP12 certificate on the day. Quotes are free and there is no call-out charge.
Read more about boiler servicing & landlord gas safety and gas appliance installation, or see the areas covered in Gloucester and Cheltenham.