Gas Safety Certificate FAQs
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12 or Landlord Gas Safety Record, confirms that gas appliances and installations in a property have been checked and found safe by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What is a CP12 gas safety certificate?
A CP12 is the official document issued after a gas safety inspection, recording appliance condition, safety test results, and any defects or remedial actions required.
Is a gas safety certificate a legal requirement?
Yes. UK law requires landlords and many commercial property owners to hold a valid gas safety certificate for properties with gas appliances.
Who needs a gas safety certificate?
Landlords, letting agents, and commercial property operators must have one. Homeowners do not legally need it unless they rent out the property.
Do landlords have to provide a gas safety certificate?
Yes. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the inspection or before move-in for new tenants.
Do landlords need a gas safety certificate every year?
Yes. A new gas safety check and certificate must be carried out every 12 months without exception.
Do homeowners need a gas safety certificate?
Homeowners are not legally required to have one, but annual gas safety checks are strongly recommended for safety and insurance purposes.
How long is a gas safety certificate valid for?
A gas safety certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of inspection.
How often should gas safety checks be done?
Gas safety checks must be completed annually for rental and commercial properties to remain legally compliant.
Is there a grace period for gas safety certificates?
Landlords may renew up to two months before expiry, but certificates cannot be extended beyond the original 12-month validity.
Can a gas safety certificate be backdated?
No. Gas safety certificates cannot be backdated under any circumstances, as this would be illegal and invalidate compliance.
What happens if a landlord’s gas safety certificate expires?
An expired certificate puts the landlord in breach of the law and can result in fines, enforcement action, invalid insurance, and tenant claims.
What does a gas safety check involve?
The engineer inspects gas appliances, pipework, flues, ventilation, and safety devices to ensure everything is operating safely and legally.
What happens during a gas safety check?
Appliances are tested for safe operation, gas tightness is assessed, and findings are recorded on the certificate with any issues clearly noted.
How long does a gas safety check take?
Most gas safety checks take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of appliances in the property.
Are radiators checked in a gas safety check?
Radiators are not usually included, as gas safety checks focus on gas appliances rather than water-based heating components.
Does a gas safety check include radiators?
No. Radiators are checked during boiler servicing or heating maintenance, not during a standard CP12 inspection.
Do gas safety checks check radiators?
Only if a radiator issue directly affects boiler safety, otherwise they are excluded from gas safety inspections.
Is a gas safety certificate the same as a boiler service?
No. A boiler service focuses on maintenance and efficiency, while a gas safety certificate confirms legal safety compliance.
Does a boiler service include a gas safety check?
Not always. A boiler service does not automatically include a CP12 unless specifically stated by the engineer.
Does a boiler service include a gas safety certificate?
Only if the engineer performs a full gas safety inspection and issues a CP12 document.
Do you need a gas safety certificate for a cooker?
Yes. In rental properties, all fixed gas appliances including cookers and hobs must be checked and recorded.
Do gas ovens have a safety shut-off?
Most modern gas ovens have flame failure devices that automatically cut off gas if the flame goes out.
Do gas hobs and stoves have safety features?
Modern gas hobs and stoves usually include flame failure safety systems, but older models may not.
Does a new boiler need a gas safety certificate?
Yes. Even brand-new boilers require inclusion in an annual gas safety certificate for rented properties.
Can a plumber do a gas safety check?
Only if the plumber is Gas Safe registered and qualified for the specific appliance type being inspected.
How do you become gas safety registered?
Engineers must complete approved training, pass ACS assessments, and register with the Gas Safe Register.
Are gas safety certificates registered online?
Some providers store certificates online, but there is no public national database for certificate lookup.
Can you check a gas safety certificate online?
You can only check it online if your engineer or landlord provides digital access to the record.
Can I find my gas safety certificate online?
If not provided digitally, you must request a copy from your landlord, agent, or the engineer who issued it.
Can a tenant refuse a gas safety check?
Tenants should allow access, but landlords must document reasonable attempts if access is refused.
Can I sue my landlord for no gas safety check?
Yes. Failure to provide a valid certificate may allow tenants to take legal action, especially if safety is compromised.
Can you sell a house without a gas safety certificate?
Yes. A gas safety certificate is not legally required to sell a property, but buyers often request one.
Do sellers have to provide a gas safety certificate?
No, but providing one can help reassure buyers and speed up the sale process.
Who pays for a gas safety certificate when buying a house?
This is negotiable and depends on the agreement between buyer and seller.
Do commercial properties need a gas safety certificate?
Yes. Commercial premises with gas appliances must undergo regular gas safety inspections.
Who is responsible for gas safety in commercial properties?
Responsibility usually lies with the business owner, landlord, or managing agent, depending on the lease terms.
How much does a commercial gas safety certificate cost?
Costs vary based on appliance numbers, site complexity, and access requirements, especially in London.
What is an LPG gas safety certificate?
It is a safety record for properties using bottled or tank gas, covering regulators, pipework, and appliances.
Is gas cylinder safety included in gas safety checks?
Yes. Cylinders, regulators, hoses, and ventilation must be inspected for safe operation.
Do I need a gas safety certificate for my campervan?
Private campervans usually do not require one, but rental or commercial use often requires inspection for insurance and compliance.
How much does a gas safety certificate cost in the UK?
Prices typically range from £60 to £120 depending on location and number of appliances.
How much is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Landlord certificates usually cost more than homeowner checks due to documentation and legal responsibility.
Can I get a free gas safety check?
Free checks may be available through councils or charities for vulnerable households, but most checks are paid services.
Does landlord insurance require a gas safety certificate?
Many landlord insurance policies require valid safety certificates, and claims may be rejected without them.
Is a British Gas gas safety certificate valid?
Yes, provided it is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer and meets legal requirements.
What are landlord gas safety obligations?
Landlords must arrange annual inspections, provide certificates to tenants, keep records, and fix faults promptly.
What happens if a landlord is fined for no gas safety certificate?
Penalties can include large fines, enforcement notices, prosecution, and insurance invalidation.
