RentClaro

Landlord gas safety certificates

Updated . Checked against official sources.

If a rented home has gas appliances you provide, they need a safety check every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The engineer gives you a gas safety record, often called a CP12 or gas safety certificate, and your tenants must get a copy.

How often
At least every 12 months, and within the 12 months before a new tenancy starts.
Who can do it
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card.
What's covered
Every gas appliance and flue you provide, such as boilers, gas fires and cookers.
Give tenants
Existing tenants within 28 days of the check. New tenants before they move in.
Keep records
Keep each record until two further checks have been done (at least two years).
If you don't
It's a criminal offence: up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine in the Crown Court.

Checking early without losing your date

You can have the check done up to 2 months before it's due and keep your existing renewal date. If your record expires on 1 June, a check on 15 April still counts as done on 1 June, so the next one is due by 1 June the following year. It gives you room to book an engineer without the deadline creeping earlier each year.

Staying on top of it

  1. Book in the two months before it's due. That keeps your date fixed and leaves time if a part is needed.
  2. Check the engineer's Gas Safe ID card before they start.
  3. Get anything flagged as unsafe fixed before it's used again.
  4. Send tenants a copy within 28 days and keep proof you did.
  5. Update your landlord register entry. When you register, you'll give the gas safety record's issue date, and you'll need to keep it current.

Get reminded before your gas safety check is due

We're building a simple tracker that reminds you before each property's gas, electrical and EPC certificates, licences and register renewal expire. Join the list and we'll email you once, when it opens. See what it does.

Questions landlords ask

How often do landlords need a gas safety certificate?

Every 12 months. A new tenancy also needs a check done within the 12 months before it starts.

Can I get a gas safety check done early?

Yes. A check done in the 2 months before the due date is treated as done on the due date, so you keep your existing renewal date.

When do I have to give tenants the gas safety record?

Within 28 days of the check for existing tenants, and before they move in for new tenants.

How long should I keep gas safety records?

Keep each record until two further checks have been done (at least two years).

Is a CP12 the same as a gas safety certificate?

Yes. CP12 was the name of the old form. The legal name is a landlord gas safety record, and it's commonly called a gas safety certificate.

Official sources

Rules checked against GOV.UK, HSE and legislation.gov.uk on 21 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. How this site works.