Gas Safety Record (CP12) — Landlord obligations

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. Reviewed March 2026.

What the rule is

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (as amended) require landlords to ensure that all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in their properties are maintained safely and inspected annually. After each inspection, the engineer issues a Gas Safety Record — commonly called a CP12 (after the old certificate number format). This record must be given to tenants and kept on file.

When it applies

• Any property with gas appliances, a gas supply, or gas flues
• Annual — the check must be carried out within 12 months of the previous check
• A new CP12 must be provided to new tenants before they move in (not within 28 days — before move-in)
• For existing tenants, a copy of each new CP12 must be given within 28 days of the check

What landlords must do

• 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
• Set a renewal reminder so the next check is arranged before the current one expires

What evidence to keep

• 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
• Proof of service to each tenant (email confirmation, signed receipt, or move-in checklist)

Common mistakes

• Giving new tenants the CP12 at move-in rather than before — the law requires it before the tenancy starts, not at the start
• Letting the CP12 lapse — arrange the next check before the 12-month anniversary of the last one
• Using an unregistered engineer — always verify Gas Safe registration at gassaferegister.co.uk
• Keeping only the most recent record — keep at least the last 2 years of records
• No proof of service — logging how and when you gave the CP12 to each tenant is critical for Section 21 validity

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. Document that the property has no gas as part of your compliance records.

How long must I keep records? At least 2 years for each Gas Safety Record.