A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate is the common name for the written record issued after a landlord gas safety check. It is also commonly called a CP12 Certificate, Gas Safety Certificate, Gas Safety Record, or Landlord Gas Safety Record.
For rented properties, the correct legal term is usually Landlord Gas Safety Record. This record confirms that a Gas Safe registered engineer has checked the relevant gas appliances and flues provided by the landlord and recorded whether they are safe to use.
Landlords need this record because gas appliances can create serious risks if they are unsafe, poorly maintained or not checked properly. These risks include gas leaks, fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning.
For London landlords, the key rule is simple: if you rent out a property with gas appliances or flues that you provide for tenants, you normally need an annual gas safety check and a valid Landlord Gas Safety Record.
Last Updated: 2026
Reviewed By: London Safety Certificate Compliance Team
Key Takeaways
- A Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate, also known as a CP12, confirms the safety of gas appliances in rental properties.
- It is legally required to be renewed annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- The certificate covers all the property’s gas appliances, pipework, and flues.
- Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of this certificate within 28 days of issuance.
- Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What Is a CP12 Certificate?
A CP12 Certificate is another name for a Landlord Gas Safety Record.
It is issued after a Gas Safe registered engineer checks the gas appliances and flues in a rented property. The record shows:
- the property address
- the date of the gas safety check
- the appliances and flues checked
- any safety defects found
- action taken by the engineer
- whether appliances are safe to use
- the engineer’s Gas Safe registration details
- the landlord or agent details
A CP12 is normally valid for 12 months and must be renewed before it expires.
Is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate a Legal Requirement?
Yes. Landlords must arrange gas safety checks for gas appliances and flues they own and provide for tenants.
The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. After the check, the landlord must keep the record and give tenants the required copy.
A landlord must usually:
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Annual gas safety check | Relevant gas appliances and flues must be checked every 12 months |
| Gas Safe engineer | The inspection must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer |
| Written record | A Landlord Gas Safety Record / CP12 must be issued |
| Existing tenant copy | Tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the check |
| New tenant copy | New tenants must receive the record before they move in |
| Record keeping | Landlords must keep gas safety records for at least 2 years |
| Unsafe appliances | Unsafe appliances must not be used until made safe |
What Does a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Cover?
A landlord gas safety check usually covers the gas appliances and flues provided by the landlord for tenant use.
This may include:
- gas boilers
- gas fires
- gas cookers
- gas hobs
- water heaters
- gas pipework connected to appliances
- flues connected to gas appliances
- ventilation linked to appliance safety
The engineer checks whether the appliance is safe to use. The check is not always the same as a full boiler service.
What Is Checked During a CP12 Gas Safety Inspection?
During a landlord gas safety check, the Gas Safe engineer may check:
- appliance operating pressure
- gas tightness
- burner condition
- safety devices
- flue flow
- flue termination
- ventilation
- signs of unsafe combustion
- visible pipework condition
- signs of gas leaks
- carbon monoxide risk indicators
- whether appliances are safe to continue using
If the engineer finds a defect, it should be recorded. If an appliance is unsafe, it must not be used until repaired and made safe.
CP12 Certificate vs Boiler Service
A CP12 certificate and a boiler service are not the same thing.
| Service | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| CP12 / Landlord Gas Safety Record | Confirms whether landlord-provided gas appliances and flues are safe to use |
| Boiler service | Maintains the boiler, checks condition and supports performance |
| Boiler repair | Fixes a fault or breakdown |
| Gas installation certificate | May relate to installation or Building Regulations notification |
A landlord may need a CP12 every year, but that does not automatically mean the boiler has been fully serviced. Many landlords book a boiler service and gas safety check together.
Who Can Issue a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate normally lasts 12 months.
Landlords should arrange renewal before the current record expires. HSE guidance allows the gas safety check to be carried out in the two months before the due date while keeping the same expiry date. This helps landlords renew early without losing time from the previous certificate period.
When Must Tenants Receive the Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords must give:
- existing tenants a copy within 28 days of the gas safety check
- new tenants a copy before they move in
This is a key landlord obligation. Keeping the certificate only in the landlord’s file is not enough if the tenant has not received the required copy.
What Are Landlord Gas Safety Responsibilities?
Landlords are responsible for more than just booking a certificate.
A landlord should make sure:
- gas appliances are safely installed
- gas appliances are maintained safely
- annual gas safety checks are completed on time
- the check is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- tenants receive the gas safety record on time
- records are kept for at least 2 years
- unsafe appliances are repaired or isolated
- tenants know how to report gas safety concerns
- access is arranged early before the expiry date
If a managing agent handles the property, the landlord should still make sure the legal responsibilities are being met.
What If a Tenant Refuses Access?
Landlords should make reasonable efforts to arrange access for the annual gas safety check.
Good practice includes:
- giving written notice
- offering appointment options
- keeping records of communication
- explaining why the check is legally required
- working with the tenant to arrange safe access
- recording failed access attempts
A landlord should not force entry without legal authority. If access continues to be refused, the landlord should keep clear evidence of all reasonable attempts and seek proper advice.
Can a Landlord Charge Tenants for a Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord should not normally charge tenants separately for the legal gas safety certificate. It is the landlord’s responsibility to arrange the annual gas safety check for landlord-provided gas appliances and flues.
The cost of meeting landlord gas safety duties is usually part of the landlord’s property compliance responsibility.
Are Gas Safety Checks Needed for Unoccupied Rental Properties?
If a rental property has gas appliances or flues provided by the landlord, the landlord should make sure they remain safe and compliant. If the property is between tenancies, a valid gas safety record will usually still be needed before a new tenant moves in.
For an empty property with no active tenancy, the exact steps may depend on the situation, the appliances present and whether the property is being prepared for letting. Landlords should not assume an empty property removes the need to manage gas safety.
CP12 vs CP42: What Is the Difference?
A CP12 usually refers to a landlord gas safety record for domestic rental properties.
A CP42 is commonly associated with commercial catering gas safety inspections.
| Certificate / Record | Common Use |
|---|---|
| CP12 / Landlord Gas Safety Record | Domestic rental property gas safety check |
| CP42 | Commercial catering gas safety inspection |
| Commercial gas certificate | Commercial boilers, catering equipment or gas systems depending on premises |
A domestic CP12 is not the same as a commercial catering gas certificate. The engineer must be qualified for the correct type of gas work.
What Happens If a Landlord Does Not Have a Valid Gas Safety Certificate?
Failing to meet gas safety duties can create serious legal and safety consequences.
Possible consequences include:
- enforcement action
- fines
- prosecution
- problems with possession proceedings
- tenant complaints
- insurance complications
- serious risk to tenant safety
More importantly, missing gas safety checks can put tenants at risk of gas leaks, fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Gas Safety Check Typically Take?
Typically, a gas safety check takes 30-60 minutes, depending on appliance types and the technician’s qualifications. Frequency, documentation, and tenant notifications are mandated, emphasising the importance of maintaining certification validity for safety.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is the common name for the written gas safety record issued after a Gas Safe registered engineer checks gas appliances and flues in a rented property.
What is a CP12 certificate?
A CP12 certificate is another name for a Landlord Gas Safety Record. It confirms that relevant gas appliances and flues have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Is a CP12 certificate a legal requirement?
Yes. Landlords must arrange annual gas safety checks for gas appliances and flues they provide for tenants and keep a written record.
How long does a landlord gas safety certificate last?
A landlord gas safety certificate normally lasts 12 months.
Who can issue a CP12 certificate?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can issue a valid landlord gas safety record after carrying out the required checks.
What does a landlord gas safety inspection include?
It may include checks on gas appliances, flues, ventilation, gas tightness, burner operation, safety devices, signs of unsafe combustion and whether appliances are safe to use.
When must tenants receive the gas safety certificate?
Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the check. New tenants must receive a copy before they move in.
Does a landlord gas safety certificate include a boiler service?
Not always. A gas safety check is different from a boiler service. A boiler service is a separate maintenance task unless booked together.
Can a landlord charge the tenant for a CP12?
A landlord should not normally charge tenants separately for the legal gas safety certificate. It is part of the landlord’s compliance responsibility.
What happens if there is no landlord gas safety certificate?
The landlord may face enforcement action, legal problems, fines and serious safety risks. Missing gas safety records can also create issues in tenancy and possession matters.