Keeping on top of gas safety is one of the most important parts of managing a rented property. A current CP12, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record, is central to staying compliant and keeping tenants safe.
What a CP12 certificate is and who needs it
A CP12 is the written record of a landlord gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It confirms that all relevant gas appliances and flues in the property have been inspected on a given date.
By law, landlords must arrange gas safety checks at least every 12 months in any property where gas is supplied. This applies to private landlords, housing associations and agents managing properties on behalf of landlords.
Letting agents often organise the checks, but the legal responsibility still sits with the landlord. Keeping clear records and reminders for renewal dates is essential to avoid gaps in cover.
Legal duties for annual landlord gas safety checks
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, landlords must ensure that gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe. This means:
Arranging a gas safety check at least once every 12 months
Using a Gas Safe registered engineer for the inspection
Providing tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of the check
Giving new tenants a valid CP12 before they move in
Landlords must also keep records of gas safety checks for at least two years. Failing to comply can lead to enforcement action, fines and potential invalidation of insurance.
What appliances and flues are covered
The CP12 covers gas appliances and flues that the landlord provides. Common items checked include gas boilers, gas fires, gas hobs and cookers, and associated flues or chimneys serving these appliances.
Gas meters and visible gas pipework within the property are also inspected where accessible. If a tenant owns their own gas appliance, the landlord is usually only responsible for the associated pipework and flue, not the appliance itself.
If in doubt, clarify with your engineer ahead of the visit which appliances will be included on the Landlord Gas Safety Record.
What happens during a landlord gas safety inspection
A Gas Safe engineer will carry out a series of safety checks on every appliance and flue listed. They will confirm that appliances are operating safely, are correctly installed, and are suitable for the rooms they are in.
Typical checks include testing for gas leaks, verifying correct gas pressure and burner performance, checking ventilation and flue condition, and ensuring safety devices work as intended. They will also assess the overall condition of the installation and note any defects or recommendations.
Common reasons CP12 checks fail
In some cases, an appliance or installation may be classed as unsafe. This will be recorded on the CP12, and the engineer will explain the issue and any immediate actions taken.
Frequent reasons for a failed or restricted certificate include inadequate ventilation to a room, blocked, damaged or poorly sited flues, and unsafe installations such as incorrect pipework, flue terminations too close to openings, or appliances not installed to current standards.
In serious cases, the engineer may cap off an appliance or the gas supply to prevent use until remedial work is completed. It is then the landlord’s responsibility to arrange repairs and a follow-up check.
Preparing the property for a smooth inspection
A little preparation can make the engineer’s visit quicker and reduce the chance of delays. It also helps ensure all required appliances can be properly inspected on the day.
Before the appointment, make sure there is clear access to the boiler, gas meter and all gas appliances. Move stored items away from the boiler cupboard, around gas fires, and from under hobs or ovens where they might block access panels.
If you have them, have appliance manuals available, especially for older or unusual models. Keep a note of any known issues or concerns reported by tenants, such as smells of gas, pilot lights going out, or unusual noises. Sharing this information helps the engineer focus on potential problem areas.
Tenant communication and access arrangements
As the landlord, you must take all reasonable steps to gain access for the annual gas safety check. That usually means giving tenants proper written notice and offering reasonable appointment times.
Keep a record of all attempts to arrange access, including emails or letters sent, in case you need to show you have tried to comply. Where agents manage access on your behalf, ensure responsibilities are clearly agreed in your management contract.
It is good practice to explain to tenants what the visit involves, how long it is likely to take and that it is for their safety. Cooperative tenants help reduce missed appointments and repeated visits.
What documents you receive after the check
Once the inspection is complete, the engineer will issue a Landlord Gas Safety Record, often still referred to as a CP12. This can be in paper or digital form.
The certificate lists each appliance and flue checked, the results of safety tests, any defects or remedial work required, the engineer’s details and Gas Safe number, and the date of the inspection and the due date for the next check.
Keep copies safely stored and backed up. Many landlords now use digital filing, which makes it easier to share certificates with agents and tenants and to keep track of renewal dates.
Landlord FAQ on CP12 certificates
Is a boiler service the same as a CP12?
No. A boiler service focuses on maintaining and cleaning the boiler to keep it running efficiently and reliably. A CP12 is a legal safety check of all relevant gas appliances and flues in the property.
It is sensible to combine a boiler service with your annual gas safety check so both compliance and maintenance are taken care of together. Ask your engineer if they can carry out a service at the same visit as the landlord safety inspection.
Do I need a CP12 for each property?
Yes. Each rental property with a gas supply requires its own current Landlord Gas Safety Record. The check and certificate are specific to that address and the appliances installed there.
If you have multiple properties, it can help to keep a simple log of addresses and renewal dates so you can plan inspections in good time and avoid overdue certificates.
How long is a CP12 valid for?
A CP12 is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. You must have a new certificate in place before the existing one expires to remain compliant.
Many landlords aim to book the next check slightly early to allow for access issues, tenant availability or any remedial work that may be required.
Do new appliances still need checking?
Newly installed appliances should come with an installation certificate from a Gas Safe engineer. However, they should still be included in your next annual landlord gas safety check and listed on the CP12 for the property.
Booking a landlord gas safety check
If you manage rental properties in areas such as Leytonstone, keeping your CP12 certificates up to date is essential for both safety and compliance. Regular checks also help spot issues early before they lead to breakdowns or more serious problems.
You can arrange a landlord gas safety inspection and learn more about what is included by visiting our services page. To keep your boiler running reliably at the same time, consider adding a service during the visit via our boiler servicing options.
To book your next landlord gas safety check or to discuss multiple properties, contact Beales Services Ltd on 02034880883 and our team will be happy to help you stay compliant and keep your tenants safe.
