Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Explained

Your legal duties as a landlord, what the annual gas safety check covers, and how to stay compliant across Hornchurch, Romford and Essex.

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By the Gas Safe engineers at Hulk Heating Solutions ยท Updated

What is a landlord gas safety certificate?

A landlord gas safety certificate โ€” often called a CP12 or Landlord Gas Safety Record โ€” confirms that every gas appliance, fitting and flue in a rental property has been checked and is safe to use. It is required under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

What the law requires

  • A gas safety check must be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
  • You must give a copy of the record to existing tenants within 28 days of the check
  • New tenants must receive a copy before they move in
  • You must keep a copy of each record for at least two years
  • Gas appliances and flues must also be maintained in a safe condition between checks

A check can be carried out up to two months before the current certificate expires and still keep the original renewal date, so you do not lose any time by booking early.

What does the check cover?

During the inspection the engineer will:

  • Check gas appliances such as boilers, gas hobs, ovens and fires for safe operation
  • Test burner pressure and gas rate against the manufacturer's data
  • Check that flues and chimneys are clear and removing combustion products safely
  • Confirm there is an adequate supply of air for each appliance
  • Check safety devices are working
  • Carry out a tightness test on the gas installation

If an appliance is found to be unsafe, the engineer will explain the problem and, where necessary, disconnect it to protect your tenants. We can usually quote for the repair there and then.

Gas safety check vs boiler service

A gas safety check confirms appliances are safe; a boiler service goes further, cleaning and checking components to keep the boiler efficient and the manufacturer warranty valid. Many landlords book both together on the same visit to save time and keep tenants disruption-free.

Book your landlord gas safety check

We carry out landlord gas safety checks across Hornchurch, Romford, Upminster, Brentwood and the surrounding areas, and we can arrange access directly with your tenants or letting agent. Find out more about our gas safety certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a landlord does not have a gas safety certificate? +
Failing to carry out annual gas safety checks is a criminal offence. Landlords can face unlimited fines or imprisonment, and it can also affect your insurance and your ability to regain possession of the property.
How long does a gas safety check take? +
Typically 30 to 60 minutes for a property with a boiler and a gas hob, depending on how many gas appliances there are.
Do I need a gas safety certificate if the property has no gas appliances? +
If there is no gas supply or gas appliances in the property, a gas safety record is not required. If there is a gas supply but no appliances, the pipework should still be maintained in a safe condition.
Can you send the certificate to my letting agent? +
Yes. We can email the record directly to you, your letting agent and your tenants.

Need a Gas Safe Engineer?

Call us or fill in our quick quote form โ€” we cover Hornchurch, Romford, Upminster and across Essex.

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