Landlord Gas Safety Certificate London (CP12)

Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Help Centre

What the law requires, what we check, and how to stay compliant.

What Is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate, officially called a CP12, is a legal document confirming that all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in a rental property have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and are safe to use.

The certificate must be renewed every 12 months.

Key Duties (What Landlords Must Do)

• Arrange a gas safety check every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Give existing tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the check
• Give new tenants a copy before they move in
• Keep records for at least 2 years

Renewal Timing (The 2 Month Rule)

You can renew a Gas Safety Record up to 2 months before the expiry date without losing any time on the certificate. The new record can be dated from the expiry date of the previous record, provided the check is completed within that window.

This gives you flexibility to schedule around tenant availability without gaps in compliance.

What We Check During a Gas Safety Inspection

Item	What We Check
Boiler	Safe operation, correct combustion, flue integrity, ventilation
Gas cooker or hob	Burner operation, flame failure devices, stability
Gas fire	Flue flow, spillage test, combustion
Gas pipework	Tightness test for leaks, correct installation
Flues and ventilation	Clear, correctly terminated, adequate air supply
Safety devices	Working correctly and not bypassed

If everything passes, we issue the CP12 certificate the same day (in most cases). If we find issues, we explain what is needed and can often fix minor problems during the visit.

Gas Safety Check vs Boiler Service

A Gas Safety Check is not the same as a boiler service:

Gas Safety Check (CP12)	Boiler Service
Legal requirement for landlords	Recommended but not legally required
Confirms appliances are safe	Maintains efficiency and reliability
Checks all gas appliances in property	Focuses on the boiler only
Typically 20 to 30 minutes	30 to 45 minutes
Issues legal certificate	No certificate unless requested

Many landlords book both together for convenience. We offer combined appointments.

More detail: Boiler servicing.

What Is Not Included

The CP12 confirms appliances are safe but does not include:

• Cleaning burners or heat exchangers
• Checking efficiency
• Preventive maintenance
• Non gas appliances such as electric heaters or oil boilers

We recommend combining your CP12 with an annual boiler service. This maintains the boiler and keeps tenants happy with reliable heating.

What If an Appliance Fails?

If we find an unsafe appliance:

1. We explain the problem and why it is unsafe.
2. For minor issues, we may be able to fix them during the visit (quoted separately).
3. For major issues, we disconnect the appliance and cap the supply for safety.
4. The CP12 cannot be issued until the problem is resolved.

We will not leave you stranded. We explain your options and can often return quickly to complete repairs.

If we classify an appliance as Immediately Dangerous, we are legally required to disconnect it. This protects your tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks. Learn more: Carbon monoxide safety guide.

Multiple Properties?

If you manage several rental properties, we can help you stay organised:

• Portfolio scheduling: We track renewal dates and contact you before expiry.
• Volume pricing: Reduced rates for multiple properties.
• Digital certificates: Emailed directly for your records.
• Letting agent coordination: We can liaise with agents and tenants directly.

Call us to discuss your portfolio: 0203 695 3137.

HMOs and Houses of Multiple Occupation

HMO landlords have additional responsibilities. All gas appliances must be checked, including:

• Communal area boilers and heaters
• Appliances in individual rooms
• Any gas cooking facilities

The CP12 must cover all appliances in the property. For more HMO guidance, see our HMO landlord’s guide.

Other Landlord Compliance Requirements

Gas safety is just one part of landlord compliance. You also need:

• EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): Valid for 10 years, minimum EPC requirements apply under MEES rules.
• EICR (Electrical Safety Certificate): Required every 5 years for rental properties.
• Smoke and CO alarms: On every floor, tested at tenancy start.
• Right to Rent checks: Before tenancy starts.
• Deposit protection: Within 30 days of receiving deposit.

Full breakdown: The London landlord’s essential checklist.

Also see: Why your boiler is a landlord’s biggest risk and opportunity.

London Wide Coverage

We issue CP12 certificates across all London boroughs and surrounding areas. Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends to suit tenant access.

Gas Safety Certificate FAQs

How long does a gas safety check take?
A typical inspection takes 20 to 30 minutes for a single boiler. Properties with multiple gas appliances (boiler, cooker, fire) take longer.

Can I do the gas safety check myself?
No. By law, only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out landlord gas safety checks and issue CP12 certificates.

What if my tenant will not allow access?
You must make reasonable efforts to arrange access. Document all attempts in writing. If the tenant repeatedly refuses, seek legal advice. You cannot be held liable if you have evidence of reasonable attempts.

Do I need a CP12 if there are no gas appliances?
No. If your property has no gas supply or gas appliances, you do not need a CP12. However, you should confirm this in writing and check there are no hidden gas supplies such as capped pipes or old fires.

Is a CP12 the same as a Gas Safe certificate?
Yes. CP12 is the official name for the Landlord Gas Safety Record. It is sometimes called a Gas Safe certificate, gas safety certificate, or landlord gas check. They all refer to the same document.

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