Why Is a Gas Safety Certificate Necessary?

If you rent out a property in the UK, you’ve probably heard about the gas safety certificate. But how well do you understand your legal responsibilities?

Whether you’re managing one flat or multiple rental properties, it’s essential to stay compliant. Missed expiry dates, incomplete inspections, or uncertified engineers can put your tenants at risk and leave you facing penalties.

In this blog, we explain what’s covered in a gas safety check, how long a certificate lasts, and how KD Jones Heating Engineers can help you stay safe, legal, and stress-free.

What is a gas safety certificate?

A gas safety certificate (also called a landlord gas safety certificate or CP12) is a document issued after a qualified engineer checks your property’s gas system and appliances.

This includes:

• Gas boilers and gas cookers
• Fires and heaters
• Pipework, gas supply, and controls
• Appliance and flue ventilation
• Checks for leaks or dangerous emissions like carbon monoxide poisoning

To be valid, the check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Who needs one?

If you rent out a residential property with gas appliances, you are legally required to carry out an annual gas safety check. This applies whether you're a private landlord, housing association, or managing agent.

The law is clear: without a valid gas safety certificate, you’re breaking the law and could be fined or prosecuted if something goes wrong.

Even homeowners who don’t rent should consider having a yearly check for peace of mind, especially in older homes or if your boiler is overdue for servicing.

What does a gas safety inspection involve?

Your engineer will check that all appliances including boilers, hobs, and fires are:

• Installed correctly
• Working properly
• Ventilated safely
• Free from leaks
• Not producing carbon monoxide

The engineer will also inspect any accessible pipework, test the gas supply, and record everything in your landlord gas safety record.

How long does a gas safety check take?

In most homes, the inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of appliances and whether access is straightforward. Larger or more complex properties may take longer.

We always recommend booking ahead (especially during busy winter periods) so you don’t risk your certificate expiring.

How long does a gas safety certificate last?

A gas safety certificate lasts 12 months from the date of issue. It’s good practice to renew before the previous one expires, so there’s no gap in coverage.

You must keep records of previous certificates for at least two years, and you must provide your tenants with the latest version within 28 days of the check.

Why is this so important?

Beyond legal compliance, a gas safety inspection is one of the most important checks you can do for your tenants. Undetected faults can lead to gas leaks or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, both of which are entirely preventable.

As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure every gas appliance is safe, and KD Jones can help make that process easy and reliable.

Stay compliant with KD Jones Heating Engineers

At KD Jones, we carry out landlord gas safety checks across Surrey and beyond, providing fast, accurate gas certification for properties of all sizes.

Our engineers are fully Gas Safe registered, punctual, and professional, and we offer clear pricing, fast turnaround, and friendly service every time.

📞 Call us on 01737 211376

🌐 Visit our contact page to request a quote online

📍 Based in Redhill, we cover homes across Surrey and the surrounding areas

Need a new boiler at the same time? Ask about our 0% finance options to help you upgrade without the upfront cost.

FAQs

What is a gas safety certificate?

A gas safety certificate is an official document that confirms a qualified engineer has checked your gas appliances and systems, and found them safe to use. It includes information about each appliance, the results of the inspection, and confirmation that everything is working properly and ventilated safely. For landlords, this is a legal requirement.

Who needs a landlord gas safety certificate?

If you rent out a residential property with gas appliances — even just a single boiler or gas hob — you are legally required to have a valid landlord gas safety certificate. This applies to private landlords, housing associations, and letting agents managing rental properties.

How long does a gas safety certificate last?

Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. It’s important to book your next check in advance to avoid a lapse. You must also retain copies of your certificates for at least two years and give tenants a copy within 28 days of the check.

How long does a gas safety check take?

Most gas safety inspections take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many gas appliances are in the property and how accessible they are. If the property is large or has older appliances, it may take slightly longer.

What’s included in a gas safety inspection?

A gas safety inspection covers all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in the property. The engineer will check that appliances are installed correctly, working efficiently, ventilated properly, and free from leaks or signs of carbon monoxide. The gas supply and any flues will also be checked for safety and compliance.

Can I do the check myself if I’m qualified?

You can only carry out a landlord gas safety check if you are currently registered with the Gas Safe Register and working as a qualified engineer. Even if you have past qualifications or experience, you must hold a current Gas Safe registration for the certificate to be legally valid.

Do I need a certificate if the property is empty?

Yes. The requirement applies regardless of whether the property is currently tenanted. If the property is available to rent and has gas appliances installed, you still need a valid certificate to remain legally compliant.

What if my tenant won’t let me in?

You are still required to make reasonable efforts to carry out the check. This includes contacting the tenant in writing, offering multiple appointment times, and documenting your attempts to do so. If access is consistently denied, you may need to seek legal advice, and you must be able to show you tried to meet your obligations.

What happens if I miss the renewal date?

Failing to renew your gas safety certificate on time means you’re in breach of your legal duties as a landlord. If something goes wrong, even if no one is hurt, you could face prosecution, fines, or issues with insurance claims. There is no grace period, so staying ahead of expiry dates is essential.

Can I combine it with a boiler service?

Yes, and we recommend it. At KD Jones, we often carry out a full boiler service and landlord gas safety check in the same visit. This saves time, reduces callout costs, and ensures that both compliance and performance are taken care of in one appointment.