Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales have strict legal responsibilities for gas safety in their rental properties. These obligations are set out in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Annual gas safety check (CP12)
All landlords must have a Gas Safe compliant engineer carry out an annual safety check of all gas appliances and fittings in their rental properties. This produces the Gas Safety Record (commonly called the CP12 certificate).
Requirements:
Appliances covered
The inspection must cover every gas appliance supplied by the landlord. This typically includes:
It does **not** cover appliances owned by the tenant (brought in by them), though you should ensure your pipework can safely supply any tenant's appliances.
Boiler servicing
Separate to the annual safety check, landlords should also have the boiler serviced annually. While this isn't a strict legal requirement, it is:
Gas appliance maintenance
Landlords must ensure all gas appliances are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. If a tenant reports a problem, you are legally required to arrange repair promptly.
What happens if you don't comply?
Non-compliance is a criminal offence. Penalties include:
Carbon monoxide alarms
Since October 2022, it has been a legal requirement for landlords in England to install a CO alarm in any room with a gas appliance (except gas cookers). CO alarms should be tested regularly.
Practical tips for landlords
For CP12 inspections across Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham — **07507 133204**.