Do landlords need a gas safety certificate (CP12), and how long does it last?

What the law requires

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place three main duties on landlords who provide gas appliances, fittings or flues for tenants:

• Annual safety check: each gas appliance and flue must be safety checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For a newly installed appliance, the first check is due within 12 months of installation.
• Maintenance: pipework, appliances and flues provided for tenants must be kept in a safe condition. HSE recommends servicing in line with the manufacturer's instructions, or annually if there are none.
• Records: you must keep a record of each safety check and give a copy to tenants.

"CP12" was the name of the old CORGI form (Corgi Proforma 12). The name stuck, so landlords and letting agents still use "CP12" to mean the landlord gas safety record.

How long does a CP12 last?

The check must be repeated every 12 months, so in practice the record is valid for one year. Since the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018, you can have the check done up to two months early (from 10 to 12 months after the last one) and keep the original deadline date, as if the check had been done exactly 12 months later. That stops your renewal date creeping earlier each year. If you use this flexibility, you must keep the record until two further checks have been carried out.

What tenants must receive

• Existing tenants must be given a copy within 28 days of the check being completed.
• New tenants must be given a copy before they move in.
• A digital copy is fine if the tenant is happy with it, but you must provide a paper copy if they ask.
• For stays of less than 28 days, such as holiday lets, the record can be displayed in a prominent place in the property.

How long must landlords keep the record?

At least two years, or until two further checks have been done if you use the early-check flexibility described above.

What the record must include

HSE lists the minimum contents: a description and location of each appliance or flue checked; the engineer's name, Gas Safe registration number and signature; the date of the check; the property address; the landlord's (or agent's) name and address; any safety defect found and any action taken; and confirmation that the checks required by regulation 26(9) have been made.

What if a fault is found?

The engineer should still issue the record when the checks are finished, listing any defects. The landlord must arrange the remedial work and make sure an unsafe appliance is not used. HSE describes the record as a "living document" that should be supplemented with details of any follow-up work.

What if the tenant will not give access?

You must not force entry. HSE expects landlords to show they took all reasonable steps: leave a notice that you attempted the check, write to the tenant explaining it is a legal requirement for their safety, offer them the chance to arrange an appointment, and keep a record of every attempt.

Is a gas safety check the same as a boiler service?

No. HSE is clear that you should not assume a service meets the safety check requirement, or that a safety check on its own is enough maintenance. A safety check confirms appliances are safe to use at that time; a service maintains them. See how often a boiler should be serviced.

This guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you smell gas, call 0800 111 999.