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Gas Safety Certificate (CP12): A Landlord's Guide
Updated 29 July 2026
If your rental has any gas appliances, the annual Gas Safety Record — often still called a CP12 — is one of your most important legal duties. Miss it and it's a criminal matter, not a civil one. Here's exactly what it is, how often you need it, what it costs, and the rules on giving it to tenants. It sits within the wider landlord compliance checklist.
What is a CP12 / Gas Safety Record?
It's the certificate a Gas Safe registered engineer issues after checking every gas appliance, flue and pipework in the property is safe. "CP12" is the old form name; the legal document is the Landlord Gas Safety Record. It's required under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
How often do you need one?
Every 12 months. Helpfully, the check can be done up to 2 months before the current record expires while keeping the same anniversary date — so booking early never shortens your certificate. For example, a record expiring 1 December can be renewed any time from 1 October and still keep its 1 December renewal date.
Serving it to tenants — the rules
- Give a copy to new tenants before they move in.
- Give it to existing tenants within 28 days of the check.
- Keep records for at least 2 years.
What does a CP12 cost?
Costs vary by region, engineer and number of appliances, but as a guide a landlord gas safety check typically costs around £60–£90 for a property with one or two appliances, with a little more per extra appliance. Bundling it with an annual boiler service is often good value.
The real risk isn't the check — it's the date. Failing to hold a valid record can mean an unlimited fine and, in the worst cases, prosecution. JRM Compliance reads your certificate dates and reminds you well ahead, so the check gets booked before expiry, every year.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a landlord need a gas safety certificate?
Every 12 months. A Gas Safe registered engineer must check all gas appliances, flues and pipework annually. The check can be carried out up to 2 months before the current record expires while keeping the same anniversary date.
How much does a landlord gas safety certificate (CP12) cost?
It varies by region and number of appliances, but a landlord gas safety check typically costs around £60–£90 for one or two appliances, with a small additional charge per extra appliance. Combining it with a boiler service can be more economical.
What happens if a landlord doesn't have a valid gas safety record?
It's a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Penalties include unlimited fines and, in serious cases, prosecution. An invalid or missing record can also undermine your ability to regain possession.
Do I have to give the gas safety record to my tenant?
Yes. You must give a copy to new tenants before they move in, and to existing tenants within 28 days of the check. Keep records for at least two years.
Read the full UK Landlord Compliance Checklist → · See pricing → · Ask us a question →
General guidance for landlords in England, not legal advice. Costs are indicative and vary by property, region and provider. Always check the current position on GOV.UK or with a qualified adviser before acting.