Gas Safety Certificates for Landlords, CP12 Requirements Explained

What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate, formally known as a Gas Safety Record and commonly called a CP12, is the document produced by a Gas Safe registered engineer following an annual inspection of all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in a rented property. The certificate confirms that all gas installations have been checked, are operating safely within manufacturer tolerances, and pose no risk to occupants.

The legal requirement for landlords to carry out annual gas safety checks is set out in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Who Must Have One?

Any landlord who lets a residential property containing gas appliances, including gas boilers, gas cookers, gas fires, and gas water heaters, must hold a valid Gas Safety Certificate for that property. This applies to:

• Private landlords letting under Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
• HMO landlords
• Landlords of student accommodation
• Local authorities and registered providers (social landlords)
• Holiday let operators where the property is let as furnished holiday accommodation

The requirement applies to gas appliances provided by the landlord. Tenants' own portable gas appliances (e.g. a freestanding gas cooker they own themselves) are outside the landlord's obligation, though the landlord remains responsible for the pipework and supply to the point of connection.

What the Check Covers

A Gas Safe registered engineer will inspect:

• All gas appliances (boiler, fires, hobs, ovens) for safe operation
• Gas supply pipework for signs of corrosion or deterioration
• All flues and chimneys serving gas appliances for safe evacuation of combustion gases
• Gas tightness of the installation
• Correct operating pressure and heat input of each appliance
• Satisfactory provision of ventilation for each appliance

Landlord Obligations

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998:

• Checks must be carried out **at least every 12 months** by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• A copy of the Gas Safety Record must be **given to existing tenants within 28 days** of the check being completed
• A copy must be **given to new tenants before they move in** (or within 28 days for long-term lets exceeding 28 days)
• Records must be **kept for at least two years**
• Where a property is managed by a letting agent, the landlord must confirm in writing who is responsible for gas safety compliance

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with gas safety obligations is a criminal offence. The HSE can prosecute landlords for non-compliance, and the courts can impose unlimited fines and up to two years' imprisonment. In practice, non-compliant landlords also face:

• Tenants being entitled to withhold rent in some circumstances
• Local authority enforcement action
• Difficulty recovering possession under Section 8 (non-compliance with prescribed information requirements can invalidate a Section 21 notice, though Section 21 is being abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025)

Storing Your CP12 on Property Passport UK

Property Passport UK allows landlords to upload Gas Safety Certificates directly to their property's passport record. This creates a timestamped archive of annual certificates, making it simple to demonstrate compliance to tenants, letting agents, councils, and courts. Certificates stored in a property passport carry forward to new ownership or management arrangements automatically.