Gas safety certificates: the annual check you cannot afford to miss

Every landlord who lets a property with gas appliances must have an annual gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a criminal law obligation, not a civil one.

What is required

A Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect all gas appliances, flues, and pipework in the property every 12 months. The engineer issues a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) confirming the check has been completed and whether the installation is safe.

You must provide a copy of the certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in.

The penalties for non-compliance

Failure to have a valid gas safety certificate is a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment. It can also invalidate any Section 8 possession notice and expose you to civil penalties and rent repayment orders.

The financial and personal consequences of missing a gas safety check are severe and entirely avoidable.

How to stay on top of it

Set a calendar reminder for 10 months after each check. This gives you a two-month buffer to book the next inspection. Use the same engineer each year if possible for consistency.

Keep copies of every certificate for at least two years. Some letting agents and compliance services offer automated reminders.

If your property has no gas

If the property has no gas supply and no gas appliances, you do not need a gas safety check. However, it is good practice to have this confirmed in writing and keep it on file in case of any queries from tenants or the local authority.