Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates

A gas safety certificate (also known as a CP12 Landlord Certificate) is an official document that confirms that the appliances, installations and pipework in a building conform to specific safety standards. This is an important requirement for landlords. It can help to prevent dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is enough ventilation, and more.

What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A gas safety certification is proof that the gas pipes and appliances of a property have all been examined by a qualified professional. It is essential for anyone renting out their apartment, home, cottage, lake house, or studio, and uses gas appliances. The certificate also shows that the installation and appliances are in compliance with current health and safety laws. Without a gas safety certificate the occupants could be subject to an imposed fine or even jail time should any issues arise in connection with the pipework or appliance.

The document typically includes details about the engineer who conducted the inspection, including their name and registration number. landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service includes the date of the check and any findings that were not noted. A signature on the document helps to confirm its authenticity and also provides an accountability mechanism for the inspection process.

In addition to the information about the gas engineer and property, the certificate also includes information on all the appliances within the property that were inspected. Gas appliances are usually classified as Non-Compliant, Immediately Dangerous or At Risk. Any of the appliances that are deemed to pose a threat to the health and safety should be removed from the building before the new certificate can be issued.

The law requires that landlords have their gas installations and appliances inspected regularly. Inspections are conducted to identify potential hazards, and can help prevent accidents caused by poorly installed or malfunctioning gas appliances. The landlords are responsible for ensuring that their tenants have access to the gas safety certificate.

If a landlord attempts to sell their property using an expired gas safety certificate, they could be breaking the law and may face hefty fines or even prison time. This is why it's important to make sure that the gas safety certificate is in good condition in all times regardless whether the landlord intends to sell the property or not.

If a landlord is planning to sell their property having an approved gas safety certificate can enhance the chance of a speedy sale by putting prospective buyers at ease about the state of the appliance and its installation. It can also be used as a selling point when advertising the property for sale.

Who requires a Gas Safety Certificate?


A gas safety certificate is required by law for every tenant who moves into a landlord's property. This document serves as proof that the landlord has made arrangements for all appliances and flues to be maintained and inspected by a qualified engineer. It's an essential element of ensuring that any gas appliances in the property are safe to use.

If the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations and arranges an inspection, they are at risk of receiving a substantial fine. Landlords are also liable for any injuries and deaths that result from the lack of a valid certificate.

Homeowners don't need an CP12 gas safety certificate, but it is recommended they get their pipes and appliances regularly checked by a certified engineer to make sure everything is in working order and safe. This is particularly important if they are planning on selling their home, since buyers often request to check the gas safety certificate prior to making a purchase.

In general, the header will include information on the engineer that performed the inspection. This should include their name, registration number, and the date of the inspection. The body of the report will provide the findings of the inspection including whether any appliances or pipework were found to be unsafe or needing repairs. If any issues were identified the engineer will usually seek permission to cut off gas lines and recommend any necessary repairs.

Tenants must also be provided with copies of the CP12 as soon as possible after the inspection is completed. Tenants who are currently tenants are required to receive the CP12 within 28 days after the inspection. It's recommended to give a copy to new tenants prior to when they move in, to ensure that they are aware of any issues that could compromise their security. Landlords should keep a copy of their old CP12 gas safety certificates, because this will assist them in proving they've met their obligations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform allows you to quickly and easily arrange a gas inspection if you are a homeowner or landlord.

Getting a Gas Safety Certificate

If you are a landlord and you do not have a gas safety certificate, it is best to immediately apply for one. It is a legal requirement and it ensures that your tenants are safe in your property. The process is simple and if you choose an organization that is specialized in this type of inspection, they will help you every step of the way. Landlords could also be subject to massive fines or even prison time if they fail to comply with the law, so it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

It is the landlord's responsibility to schedule an annual gas safety check to be carried out on their appliances within their properties. The landlord must also give their tenants a copy of the report prior to when they move in. This is to give them peace of mind that the appliances in their new home are safe, and it is a way of showing that they have met their legal obligations.

In a safety audit the engineer will check every gas appliance and pipework throughout the building to ensure they are safe. They will look for things like carbon monoxide that is created when appliances aren't properly burning and can be fatal if it is inhaled in large quantities. The engineer will also make sure that the flues are clear and that there are no gas leaks in the premises.

Landlords preparing to sell a property might find that potential buyers will request proof that the property has been gas-safety examined. This could be a significant selling point for the property and can help accelerate the selling process.

If a landlord doesn't have a valid certificate of gas safety, they must obtain one prior to putting the property up for sale. This will put a potential buyer at ease that the property is safe and could increase the interest in the property. The sale could be canceled if the seller is unable to provide an authentic certificate of gas safety.

Keeping a Gas Safety Certificate

Gas is an energy source in a vast majority of homes and businesses. Gas is utilized in a vast majority of commercial and residential homes. As a result, strict regulations are in place to ensure the security of these gas systems. Gas Safe registered engineers conduct regular inspections and checks to ensure this. The landlord is responsible for scheduling and recording these tests. These results are available to tenants to let them know that the landlord is taking their safety seriously.

Landlords are also reminded that a Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. They should schedule an appointment to have a new test done and a new certification issued prior to the date. This will help to avoid any penalties or charges for not attending appointments. It is also an excellent idea to schedule the inspection with the same engineer each time, as this will help save time and money.

It is important that the landlord is prepared prior the inspection. This means clearing out rooms so that the inspector can access all areas of the house without issues. It is also a good idea to remove any clothing or other flammable items which are close to the gas appliances. This will help to stop any accidental ignitions from these items, and also reduce the chance of fire.

The gas engineer will conduct an inspection of all the gas appliances and installations inside the property. The gas engineer will make sure that the appliance functions properly and that the pipework is safe, and that it is able to flow freely through the property. They will also check that any carbon monoxide that is the biproduct of gas combustion, is transferred to the outside instead of being trapped in the property.

The engineer will then issue a Gas Safety Certificate to the landlord. This will detail the results of the inspection and state whether or not any gas appliances are deemed to be not to current Standards or immediately dangerous, or at Risk. Landlords should keep an original copy of the report for their own records and then provide it to any existing tenants within 28 days. They should also give a copy to any new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.