Gas safety certificates (CP12): a landlord's guide

A clear guide to landlord gas safety certificates: annual checks, Gas Safe engineers, deadlines for giving tenants a copy and record-keeping rules.

Checked against official sourcesUpdated 20 September 20264 min read
Gas safety certificates (CP12): a landlord's guide

How often

Every 12 months

Give tenants copy

Within 28 days

Keep records

2 years

Typical cost

£60–£100

Key takeaways

  • Every gas appliance, fitting and flue you provide must be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • Give existing tenants the record within 28 days and new tenants before they move in.
  • You can renew up to two months early and keep the original expiry date.

Why it matters

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 make landlords responsible for gas safety in their rental properties. Faulty appliances can cause fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Breaches are a criminal offence and can lead to unlimited fines or prison. Without a valid record you may also be unable to serve some possession notices.

Who is responsible for what?

LandlordTenant
Annual gas safety checkYesAllow access
Appliances you provideYes—
Tenant's own cooker or firePipework onlyYes
Reporting suspected leaksAct immediatelyReport quickly
Carbon monoxide alarmsFit and test at startTest regularly

Automate your gas safety reminders. Simple Landlord reminds you two months before each check is due and stores every certificate.

Get early access

Annual gas safety checklist

  1. 1

    Book a Gas Safe engineer

    Check their ID card and the Gas Safe Register.

  2. 2

    Give tenants notice

    Arrange access in writing and keep a record of your attempts.

  3. 3

    Get the record (CP12)

    It lists each appliance checked and any defects.

  4. 4

    Share and store it

    Copy to tenants within 28 days. Keep records for at least two years.

FAQs

What if my tenant won't let the engineer in?+

Keep written records of every reasonable attempt to gain access. This shows you took all reasonable steps.

Is a CP12 the same as a gas safety certificate?+

Yes. CP12 is the old name for the Landlord Gas Safety Record, and people still use it.

Do I need one if there's no gas?+

No. If the property has no gas supply, you don't need a gas safety record.

Written and reviewed by the Simple Landlord Editorial Team

Last reviewed 20 September 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Sources

Automate your gas safety reminders

Simple Landlord reminds you two months before each check is due and stores every certificate.