Gas Safety Certificates

A Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a CP12 or Landlord Gas Safety Record) is an official document confirming that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in a rental property have been inspected and deemed safe by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

As a landlord, you are legally required to:

• Arrange an annual gas safety check on all gas appliances, fittings, and flues you provide
• Use only a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the inspection
• Keep records of each safety check for at least two years
• Provide a copy of the certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• Provide a copy to new tenants before they move in

The certificate must be renewed every 12 months without any gaps. Under the 2018 amendments, you can renew up to two months before expiry without losing any validity period - similar to an MOT.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces the National Landlord Database, a mandatory registration system for all private landlords in England. From the date the database goes live (expected 2026), you will be required to:

• Register yourself and every property you let on the National Landlord Database
• Upload a valid Gas Safety Certificate to the database
• Keep the certificate current - you will not be able to market or let properties without valid certification on the database
• Failure to register will restrict your ability to serve possession notices under the new Section 8 grounds

The database will be publicly accessible, allowing tenants to verify a landlord's compliance status before signing a tenancy agreement.

Current penalties:

• Unlimited fines for serious breaches
• Up to 6 months imprisonment
• Invalidation of Section 21 notices - you cannot use the no-fault eviction process without a valid certificate
• Insurance claims rejected if a gas incident occurs
• Civil claims from tenants for breach of duty or negligence

From 1 May 2026:

• Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished entirely - this penalty becomes irrelevant
• Civil penalties up to £7,000 for initial breaches of landlord obligations
• Civil penalties up to £40,000 for serious or repeated breaches
• Restrictions on using Section 8 possession grounds if not registered on the National Landlord Database
• Criminal prosecution remains possible for serious safety breaches

The Gas Safe engineer will check:

• All gas pipework, fittings, and flues
• Gas boilers and water heaters
• Gas fires and cookers
• The effectiveness of flues and ventilation
• Operating pressure and functionality
• Any potential gas leaks