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What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate, also referred to as a CP12, which is required by law to be held for all rental accommodation in the UK where there are gas appliances present. The requirement is enshrined in the Gas Safety Regulations 1998.

Why Are Gas Safety Certificates Important?

The penalty for renting a property without a gas safety check includes a substantial fine and/or imprisonment: Invalid insurance. Up to £6000 in fines.

As a landlord, it’s up to you to make sure your tenants stay safe in the property you’re letting. Your legal duties apply to a wide range of accommodation occupied under lease or licence.

These include:

  • Residential premises provided for rent by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, cooperatives, and hostels.
  • Rooms in bedsit accommodation, private households, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels.
  • Rented holiday accommodations such as chalets, cottages, flats, Airbnb properties, caravans and narrowboats on inland waterways

How long Does A Gas Safety Certificate Last For?

The certificate is valid for 12 months, after which a landlord must call out a Gas Safe registered engineer to perform the necessary checks on the gas appliances and pipework of the property.

What Does A Gas Safety / CP12 Certificate Contain?

A qualified registered engineer will fill out the following details on the certificate:

  • Engineer details: he/she will write down his/her name and Gas Safe Register ID number. The engineer will then sign this as proof of legislation confirmation
  • The date that the gas safety check has taken place
  • The address of the property where the certificate is being verified
  • The landlord’s details: The engineer will need the landlords name and address as a point of contact
  • An inventory: the engineer will take note of every appliance and flue of the property, along with their locations and conditions
  • Any problems that have been noticed by the engineer during the check: if remedial action has been taken, the engineer will also take a note of this

A statement that confirms the gas safety check has been completed

A statement outlining compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 Tenants should be provided with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the check occurring, or before they move in to the property.
Note: Landlords should retain the certificate for at least two years.

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