If you let a property with a gas supply anywhere in England, an annual gas safety check is not optional. It is a legal requirement, not a recommendation, and it applies regardless of how long you have owned the property or how well you know your tenant. Here is what the law actually requires, what a gas safety check covers, and what happens if it gets missed, from the Gas Safe registered engineers at Prof Heat Services (Gas Safe licence number 649322).

What the Law Actually Requires

Under Regulation 36 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, every landlord letting a property with gas appliances must have a gas safety check carried out at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A record of that check, commonly known as a CP12 or a landlord gas safety certificate, must then be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check being completed, or to new tenants before they move in. Full guidance is available directly from the Health and Safety Executive. This is a duty under health and safety law, not a term of your tenancy agreement, and it applies to every landlord in England and Wales letting a property with a gas supply, whether it is a single buy-to-let or a large portfolio.

Which Appliances Does This Cover?

The check covers every gas appliance and flue that you, as the landlord, own and provide as part of the letting. That includes the boiler, any gas fires, gas cookers or gas hobs you have supplied, and any associated pipework and flues. It does not extend to appliances a tenant brings with them and owns themselves, such as their own portable gas heater, though as landlord you would still be responsible for the fixed gas supply and pipework feeding into the property.

What Happens During the Check

A landlord gas safety check covers broadly the same ground as an annual boiler service, which we have covered in more detail in our guide to how often a boiler should be serviced. A Gas Safe registered engineer will check the appliance for correct operating pressure, examine the flue to confirm gases are venting safely, check for adequate ventilation, test safety devices are working correctly, and inspect visible pipework and connections for signs of wear, leaks or corrosion. If a fault is found, it will be classified according to how serious it is, ranging from a note that something does not meet current standards through to being disconnected immediately as an active safety risk, in line with the industry’s official Unsafe Situations Procedure published by the Health and Safety Executive.

What Happens If You Do Not Comply

Failing to arrange an annual gas safety check, or failing to provide the record to your tenant, is a criminal offence under health and safety law, not simply a paperwork oversight. Local authorities and the HSE can prosecute landlords who fail to comply, and penalties can include unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Beyond the legal risk, a missing or overdue gas safety check can also affect landlord insurance, since many policies are conditional on the property being kept gas safe and properly maintained. It is also worth remembering that this obligation exists independently of anything relating to how a tenancy is managed or ended. It applies for as long as you are letting the property with a gas supply, full stop.

New Tenancies and HMOs

For a new tenancy, the current gas safety record must be given to the tenant before they move in, not shortly after. If you are letting a House in Multiple Occupation, the same annual check applies to every gas appliance in the property, and HMOs are often subject to additional licensing conditions on top of this, depending on your local authority. If you are unsure whether your property is treated as an HMO, it is worth checking directly with your local council rather than assuming.

Gas Safety Checks for Landlords in Crewe, Nantwich and Cheshire

Prof Heat Services carries out landlord gas safety checks across Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach, Middlewich and the surrounding Cheshire area, all completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer with over twenty years of local experience. Whether you manage a single rental property or a small portfolio, we can arrange your annual check, provide the completed record promptly, and flag anything that needs attention before it becomes a bigger job. Get in touch to book your landlord gas safety check or to ask any questions about what is required for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a gas safety check if the property has no gas appliances at all?
No. If there is no gas supply or gas appliances in the property, this specific requirement does not apply, though it is worth confirming this in writing if you are ever asked to demonstrate compliance.

Can I carry out the check myself if I am Gas Safe registered?
Only if you personally hold a current Gas Safe registration covering the relevant appliance categories. Most landlords are not registered engineers themselves and need to arrange this through one.

What if my tenant refuses access for the check?
You are required to take all reasonable steps to arrange the check, including giving proper written notice. Keep a clear record of your attempts to arrange access in case you ever need to demonstrate you tried to comply.

How long do I need to keep old gas safety records for?
You are required to keep gas safety records for at least two years.