FAQs
CP12 and landlords: questions answered
Landlord gas safety records, tenants, CO alarms and the law.
CP12 and landlords
Do landlords legally need a gas safety certificate (CP12)?
Yes. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must have every gas appliance, fitting and flue they provide checked by a Gas Safe engineer every 12 months. The engineer issues a landlord gas safety record, often called a CP12. CombiCert's CP12 in Telford is £90 inc VAT.
How long does a landlord gas safety certificate last?
A gas safety record is valid for 12 months. Since 2018 you can have the next check done between 10 and 12 months after the last one and keep the original expiry date, so you do not lose time by booking early. There is no grace period after it expires.
When must a landlord give tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate?
Existing tenants must get a copy within 28 days of the check. New tenants must get a copy before they move in. Landlords must also keep each record for at least two years. If you are a tenant and have not received one, ask your landlord or agent in writing.
Does the landlord gas safety check cover the gas hob and cooker as well as the boiler?
Yes. The check covers every gas appliance and flue the landlord provides, so a gas hob, cooker or gas fire is included alongside the boiler. Appliances the tenant owns are the tenant's responsibility, though the landlord remains responsible for the pipework. Tell the engineer how many appliances there are when you book.
Is a landlord gas safety check the same as a boiler service?
No. The gas safety check confirms appliances and flues are safe to use, while a service follows the manufacturer's maintenance checklist. Landlords must have the annual safety check and also keep appliances maintained, which in practice usually means an annual service. Many landlords book both on one visit.
What can a landlord do if a tenant refuses access for the gas safety check?
Give written notice of the appointment, offer alternative times and keep a record of every attempt. HSE expects landlords to show they took all reasonable steps. If access is still refused, take legal advice before the certificate lapses. Do not force entry. Telling the tenant why the check matters often resolves it.
Do landlords have to fit a carbon monoxide alarm near a gas boiler?
In England, since October 2022, private and social landlords must fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler, but not a gas cooker. Alarms must be repaired or replaced when the landlord is told they are faulty.
Do I need a CP12 for an HMO, a lodger or a holiday let?
HMOs need one, as the 1998 Regulations apply to them like any rented home. The landlord duties also cover holiday lets and short lets. Lodgers who share your home are also covered by the landlord duty for appliances you provide. If in doubt, treat the property as needing an annual gas safety record.
My landlord gas safety certificate has expired. What should I do?
Book a check as soon as possible, as there is no grace period, and give tenants a copy of the new record within 28 days. Until then the appliances have no current safety record, which is a breach of the 1998 Regulations. CombiCert carries out CP12 checks across Telford and Shropshire for £90 inc VAT.
Do I need a gas safety certificate to sell my house?
No. There is no legal requirement for a homeowner to have a gas safety certificate to sell, although buyers or their solicitors sometimes ask about the boiler's service history. A gas safety check can give buyers confidence. Landlords selling a tenanted property still need a valid record while tenants live there.
How can a tenant check a gas safety certificate is genuine?
The record should show the engineer's name, their Gas Safe registration number, the property address, the date, and each appliance checked with its result. You can check the registration number on the Gas Safe Register website. If something looks wrong, you can report it to Gas Safe Register or your local council.
What is a CP12 certificate?
CP12 is the common name for a Landlord Gas Safety Record. It shows a Gas Safe engineer has checked the gas appliances, flues and pipework in a rented property and lists any defects. Landlords must arrange this every 12 months.
What happens if my rental property fails a gas safety check?
The engineer records the defect and how serious it is. Dangerous appliances may be disconnected with your agreement or labelled not to be used. You must arrange repair before the appliance is used again. Ask for a quote for the remedial work and a rechecked record once fixed.
Does a tenant's own gas cooker need a landlord check?
The landlord is responsible for appliances and flues they provide. A tenant-owned appliance is the tenant's responsibility, but the landlord must still keep the supply pipework safe. Engineers usually check pipework to every appliance during the visit. CombiCert carries out landlord gas safety records around Telford and Shropshire; call 07393 220694.
How long should I keep landlord gas safety records?
Keep each record for at least two years and until you have done two further checks, as the regulations require. Digital copies are fine. Make sure tenants get a copy within 28 days of each check. CombiCert carries out landlord gas safety records around Telford and Shropshire; call 07393 220694.
Can tenants reset or top up the boiler themselves?
Yes, the safe user checks in the boiler's user guide, such as resetting once and topping up the pressure, are fine for tenants. Anything beyond that, or a fault that keeps returning, should be reported to the landlord or agent so a Gas Safe engineer can attend.
Why do landlords need a CO alarm in rental properties?
In England, landlords must fit a CO alarm in any room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers, and repair or replace alarms when told they are faulty. Engineers can test the alarm during the gas safety visit.
Can a gas safety check be done when the tenant is not home?
It needs access, so the landlord or agent arranges it with the tenant. Give reasonable notice and keep a record of attempts if access is refused. The engineer checks each appliance, flue and the pipework, so they must be able to reach them.
Does a holiday let need a gas safety record?
Generally yes. Short-term lets, including holiday homes, fall under landlord gas safety duties, so an annual check is needed and the record should be displayed or given to guests as required. Check current guidance from the HSE. CombiCert carries out landlord gas safety records around Telford and Shropshire; call 07393 220694.
Does a gas safety check include the gas meter?
The engineer checks the pipework from the meter and the emergency control valve. The meter itself belongs to the supplier. Leaks at the meter are reported to the gas emergency service or supplier. CombiCert carries out landlord gas safety records around Telford and Shropshire; call 07393 220694.
What if my tenant reports a gas smell?
Tell them to call 0800 111 999 straight away and follow the emergency advice. Once made safe, arrange a Gas Safe engineer to repair the fault and recheck the appliances. CombiCert carries out landlord gas safety records around Telford and Shropshire; call 07393 220694.
Can a landlord gas safety record be issued without checking every appliance?
Each landlord-provided appliance and flue should be checked. If one cannot be accessed, the engineer notes it and the landlord should arrange a return visit. CombiCert carries out landlord gas safety records around Telford and Shropshire; call 07393 220694. If you are unsure about any step, call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
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CombiCert Ltd, Gas Safe registered 621146, The Old School House, Park Lane, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4TG. Open Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 19:45, closed Sunday. Email hello@combicert.co.uk.
Smell gas? Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.