Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12)

The Legal Mandate

A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) confirms that gas appliances, flues and pipework have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For most private rented properties in the UK, this inspection is required every 12 months.

• An expired or missing CP12 can be a criminal offence for landlords — with no fixed upper penalty limit in serious cases.
• Tenants must usually receive a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the check (and before a new tenancy starts).
• Valid gas certification is often required for insurance cover and can affect possession proceedings if records are incomplete.
• Carbon monoxide and gas leaks remain a real risk where boilers, cookers or fires are poorly maintained.