Gas Safety Record (CP12) — Landlord obligations
Summary
England landlords must arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The resulting Gas Safety Record (CP12) must be given to tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and invalidate a Section 21 notice.
Checklist
- Arrange an annual gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Receive the Gas Safety Record (CP12) from the engineer
- Give a copy to all tenants within 28 days of the check
- Give a copy to new tenants before their tenancy begins
- Keep records for at least 2 years
- Upload the certificate to TenancyVault and set a renewal reminder
What to store in the vault
- The current Gas Safety Record (CP12) as a PDF
- Previous years’ records (minimum 2 years)
- Name and Gas Safe registration number of the engineer
- Date of the check and next due date
What to log as proof
- Date the CP12 was issued by the engineer
- Date you provided the certificate to each tenant (with method — email, hand-delivered, post)
- Signed acknowledgement from tenants if available
- Any follow-up communications if remedial works were required
What to include in a compliance pack
Every compliance pack for a gas-served property should include:
- Current Gas Safety Record (CP12) — signed by the engineer
- Date of next annual check
FAQ
How often is a gas safety check required? Annually. The check must be carried out within 12 months of the previous check.
Who can carry out the gas safety check? Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can verify registration at gassaferegister.co.uk.
What happens if I don’t have a valid CP12? You cannot legally serve a Section 21 (no-fault eviction) notice without a valid CP12. You may also face prosecution under gas safety regulations.
Does a new tenant need to see the CP12? Yes. New tenants must receive a copy before they move in (not within 28 days — before move-in).
What if the property doesn’t have gas? If the property has no gas supply or gas appliances, a gas safety check is not required. You should document that the property has no gas.
How long must I keep records? At least 2 years for each Gas Safety Record.