Landlord gas safety explained: what a CP12 covers and when you need one

Every landlord with gas appliances in a let property has a legal duty to arrange an annual gas safety check. The record you receive is commonly called a CP12, and it is one of the simplest ways to keep your tenants safe and yourself compliant.

What a CP12 is

A CP12, or Gas Safety Record, is the certificate a Gas Safe registered engineer issues after checking the gas appliances and flues in a property. It confirms that everything has been inspected and is safe to use.

What gets checked

The engineer inspects each gas appliance, its flue and the surrounding ventilation, and tests for safe operation and correct gas pressure.

• Each gas appliance and its operation
• Flues and chimneys serving gas appliances
• Ventilation around the appliances
• Gas tightness and correct pressures

How often and what if you do not have one

The check is required every twelve months, and you must give tenants a copy of the record. Letting without a valid certificate puts tenants at risk and exposes you to serious penalties, so it is well worth scheduling ahead rather than letting it lapse.

For landlords with several properties, we keep the whole portfolio on a clear schedule so nothing slips.

Key takeaways

• A CP12 is the annual gas safety record for let properties
• It is a legal requirement renewed every twelve months
• Portfolios are easiest to manage on a planned schedule