What Is a Gas Safety Certificate? London Landlord and Tenant Guide
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), who needs one, what it covers, and what happens if a landlord doesn't have one. Essential guide for London landlords and tenants.
What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A Gas Safety Certificate — formally called a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) — is the document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after completing an annual gas safety inspection of a rented property. The certificate records that all gas appliances, flues, and pipework in the property have been inspected and found to be safe to use.
What Does a Gas Safety Inspection Cover?
A gas safety inspection for a London rental property includes:
- Each gas appliance (boiler, gas hob, gas fire) — flame picture, combustion quality, safety devices
- Flues and chimneys — checked for obstruction and correct termination
- Gas pipework — visual inspection and gas tightness test (checking for leaks)
- Gas meter and supply — pressure check at the meter
- Ventilation — adequate combustion air for each appliance
At the end of the inspection, the engineer issues either a satisfactory CP12 (all appliances passed) or an unsatisfactory CP12 (one or more appliances failed and have been disconnected).
How Long Does a Gas Safety Certificate Last?
A Gas Safety Certificate is valid for 12 months. London landlords must carry out a new inspection every year and provide the new certificate to tenants within 28 days of it being issued (or before they move in for new tenancies).
Gas Safety Certificate Requirements for London Landlords
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998:
- Annual gas safety check mandatory for all rented properties with gas appliances
- Certificate must be retained for 2 years
- Copy must be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check
- Copy must be given to new tenants before they move in
- Gas Safe registered engineer only — no other qualification is accepted
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a London landlord doesn't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
London landlords without a valid Gas Safety Certificate face: unlimited fines under the Gas Safety Regulations; criminal prosecution (HSE and local authorities have prosecuted landlords for gas safety breaches); inability to serve a valid Section 21 eviction notice (courts have struck down S21 notices where landlords couldn't prove gas safety compliance); and potential civil liability if a tenant suffers injury or death from a gas incident. The certificate must be renewed annually without exception.
Can a London tenant ask to see the Gas Safety Certificate?
Yes — tenants in London have a legal right to receive a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate. Existing tenants must receive it within 28 days of the annual check. New tenants must receive it before they move in. If a landlord refuses to provide the certificate or claims one is not required, the tenant can contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the local authority housing team. Tenants can also check the Gas Safe Register to verify whether a certificate exists for their property.
Does a Gas Safety Certificate cover electrical safety in London?
No — a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) only covers gas appliances, flues and pipework. Electrical safety in rental properties is covered by a separate EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), which is also mandatory for London landlords. Since 2020, all new tenancies in England require a valid EICR (renewed every 5 years or at change of tenancy). The two certificates are completely separate — both are required.