Gas safety is one of the most important legal obligations for landlords. Failing to comply can have serious consequences, including unlimited fines, imprisonment for up to six months, and restrictions on regaining possession of your property.
Most critically, non-compliance puts your tenants at real risk, potentially leading to injury or even death from gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Understanding and fulfilling your responsibilities is essential to protect both your tenants and yourself.
Whether you’re letting out a single buy-to-let or managing a portfolio, this guide covers everything you need to know about landlord gas safety responsibilities in 2025.
Related: How often should landlords conduct property inspections?
What are a landlord’s legal obligations?
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances, flues, and installation pipework provided for tenants are safely installed, properly maintained, and inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Let’s explore each responsibility in more detail.
Repairing and maintaining pipework, flues, and appliances
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that the gas pipework, flues, and appliances within their properties are kept in safe working condition. This includes arranging repairs caused by general wear and tear, servicing appliances as recommended by the manufacturer, and ensuring flues serving tenant areas (even if not directly located in the flat) are maintained.
You should also check any appliances left behind by former tenants and either certify them safe or remove them. While you’re not legally obliged to keep maintenance records, doing so is highly advisable in case of inspections or tenant complaints.
Responsibilities for tenant-owned appliances
If a tenant provides their gas appliance, you are not responsible for maintaining or inspecting the appliance itself. However, as a landlord, you are still legally required to maintain the associated flues and pipework.
It’s best practice to remind tenants that they should arrange an annual service of their appliances with a Gas Safe registered engineer. You may even offer to include these appliances in your regular safety checks, with costs passed on if agreed in the tenancy agreement.
Ensuring annual gas safety checks on every applicable appliance
Every year, you must book a gas safety check conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This applies to all appliances and flues you supply for tenant use, as well as the flues and pipework serving tenant-owned appliances.
You can schedule this check-up two months before the renewal date without losing the original deadline, giving you the flexibility to gain access or coordinate with tenants in good time.
Keeping records of every safety check
Following each annual inspection, the engineer will issue a Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR), commonly referred to as a CP12 certificate. This report confirms that gas appliances and systems are safe to use and outlines any required remedial work.
As a landlord, you must provide:
- A copy to current tenants within 28 days
- A copy to new tenants before they move in
You must also retain the record for at least two years. Electronic copies are acceptable, provided they are secure, tamper-proof, and easily reproduced in print if needed.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is the formal record of your annual gas safety inspection. It includes essential details such as the property address, date of inspection, appliance and flue descriptions, any defects found, and the details of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the check.
This certificate is a legal requirement and is essential for demonstrating compliance. Without it, you may be unable to serve a Section 21 notice and could be subject to fines or enforcement action.
What’s the difference between a Gas Safety Record and a CP12 Certificate?
A Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR) and a CP12 certificate refer to the same document. The term “CP12” originated from the old CORGI registration scheme (which was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009). While CP12 is still commonly used in the industry, the correct modern term is Landlord Gas Safety Record.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
This regulation is the legal backbone of gas safety compliance for landlords. It sets out your duties to ensure gas appliances, fittings, pipework, and flues are safe, inspected regularly, and properly maintained.
Important updates include:
- Digital gas safety records are now legally accepted
- Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are mandatory in rooms with gas appliances (excluding cookers)
- Gas appliances must comply with UKCA or CE conformity standards
What is included in gas maintenance?
Maintenance goes beyond annual inspections. It includes proactive steps to keep your gas system safe, such as:
- Servicing appliances per manufacturer guidelines
- Checking pipework for leaks, corrosion, or damage
- Inspecting the flues and ventilation for obstructions or deterioration
- Responding promptly to tenant reports of gas smells or malfunctions
If tenants leave appliances behind or remove their own unsafely, these must be inspected before re-letting. Between tenancies is an ideal time to carry out thorough checks.
What is included in a gas safety check?
A full inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer typically covers:
- Appliance tightness and safety
- Burner and gas pressure checks
- Flue flow and ventilation effectiveness
- Operation of safety devices
- Observations of misuse or unsafe setups
- Optional: tightness test of the entire system, including pipework
If any appliance is found to be unsafe, it will be disconnected, and a ‘Do Not Use’ label will be applied.
How much does a gas safety check cost?
There is no set price for a gas safety check. Typical costs range from £60 to £120, depending on property size and number of appliances. Costs may increase if repairs or additional servicing is needed. Always ensure you use a Gas Safe registered engineer, and obtain multiple quotes where possible.
Landlords and carbon monoxide alarms
Since 1 October 2022, landlords must install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). This applies to both existing and newly installed appliances.
You’re responsible for installation and maintenance, while the tenant must test the alarm regularly and report any faults.
What to do in a gas emergency?
If a tenant reports a gas leak or symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Tell them to call 0800 111 999 (the National Gas Emergency Line)
- Ask them to open windows and doors to let fresh air in
- Turn off the gas supply at the meter, if it’s safe to do so
- Make sure everyone leaves the property
- Get a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out repairs straight away
- Do not let anyone use the appliance until it has been repaired and tested
Need support with your landlord duties? We’re here to help
Gas safety regulations can be complex, but Martin & Co is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help arranging inspections, understanding your legal obligations, or keeping your records compliant, our expert property managers are ready to help.
Contact your local Martin & Co branch today for guidance on landlord certification, gas safety checks, and property compliance.
Last reviewed: July 2025
This guide is regularly updated to reflect current legislation. For the latest advice, always consult the Gas Safe Register or your local property professional.
Further reading:
New Landlord Checklist: Part 2
Seven mistakes for landlords to avoid
Electrical safety standards: A guide for landlords
