Landlord’s / Homeowner’s Gas Safety Certificates (CP12)

Gas Safe London aim to provide a clear and professional service. It has become clear that there is still some confusion over a landlord’s responsibilities in regard to any gas appliances they are responsible for. We have therefore provided answers to some commonly ask questions below. It is not an exhaustive list of questions, so feel free to call for advise over the phone.

What are a landlord’s responsibilities?

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all landlords have to arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe Registered engineer for all gas appliances, pipework and flues. An annual gas safety check must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer every 12 months. Copies of checks must be kept for 2 years, with copies issued to each new tenant within 28 days of them moving into a property.

Who can carry out gas safety checks?

Only Gas Safe Registered engineers can be used to carry out checks under the Gas Safety Regulations. There has been some confusion as it used to be Corgi. However, the Gas Safe Register took over running the scheme in April 2009.

Not all Gas Safe Registered Engineers are competent in all areas of work. The HSE advise that landlords / homeowners check that the Gas Safe Registered engineer is competent to work on that specific area of gas. Some gas engineers may be competent in boilers but not fires. It clearly states what an engineer is qualified to work on at the back of their card. At Gas Safe London, we hold competencies in boilers, cookers, fires, gas pipework and combustion analysis (the measurement of flue gases).

Should I provide my tenants with a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm?

This is strongly recommended but is not a legal requirement. However, as they are available for £20-£30, take a matter of minutes to install, it is advisable. Any alarm fitted should comply with British Standard EN 50291. Alarms are not a substitute for an annual gas safety inspection, which must be carried out regardless of any alarms installed.

What checks should be done between tenancies?

A visual check must be carried out between tenancies to ensure that none of the gas appliances have been tampered with since the last gas safety inspection. If anything has been altered, or indeed the tenant has put in a gas appliance of their own, a Gas Safe Registered Engineer must be brought in to test and issue a new certificate.