One of the most crucial aspects of compliance and legal obligations for Landlords is ensuring their property is up to date with Gas Safety. Failure to comply with even the most basic requirements can and often will result in serious consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and in extreme cases, the danger of serious injury or death to your tenants.

To make sure that all rental properties are kept to the highest standard of Gas Safety, all landlords, or managing agents, are required to provide annual gas safety certificates to tenants, as a part of the prescribed information, confirming that all appliances and installations are fit for purpose.

We’ve collected the most frequently asked questions to help you understand your obligations as a landlord for Gas Safety.

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What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate is an inspection record that all Landlords are legally required to obtain and provide to their tenants under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. This requires an annual inspection of all gas appliances, pipework and flues on your property, presented as a written result and outcome of your inspection. It will and must list any safety issues that were found along with the remedial action required to bring the issue back in line with the regulations. 

How do I get a Gas Safety certificate?

The process to obtain a certificate is relatively simple, and is kickstarted by booking an inspection with a licensed engineer registered on the Gas Safety Register, the only official registration body in the UK for gas works. It is important to ensure your engineer is registered, as only those who have been approved by the GSR are legally able to carry out work on both gas appliances and installations.

Once the inspection has been completed, which includes a visual check on all accessible pipework and gas appliances, as well as checking for any gas leaks, you will be provided with a CP12, informing you of the outcome of the inspection. 

What are Landlord’s legal obligations?

Landlords are legally required to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are inspected by a licensed engineer annually and provide tenants with a record of the outcome within 28 days of the check, or before moving into the property, these are part of the Prescribed Information that landlords must provide their tenants. They are also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of any gas fittings or flues in the property, ensuring they remain in a safe and useable condition. 

Landlords are also required to keep records of the gas safety checks until 2 following checks have been completed, in the case of an audit or request of this information by the local authority. 

When do I need to arrange a Gas Safety Inspection?

Gas Safety checks are required to be completed annually for every appliance and installation in your property. These checks can and should be completed every 10 to 12 months from the previous check. This extends to both existing, renewing and new tenancies at your property. 

How much should a Gas Safety Inspection and Certificate cost?

The cost of your gas safety check depends on the number of appliances, location, and inspection provider. For smaller properties, the certificate costs £35-£80, while larger properties with more appliances range from £120 to £150. The UK average for gas safety certificates is £75-£90.

What happens if my property fails a Gas Safety Inspection?

In the event that your property does fail the inspection, the report will provide information on the specifics, highlighting the problem areas with the required remediation work, and you will be required to resolve the issues as soon as possible. Issues that are found in the inspections are serious and should be addressed immediately, and you can ask your Gas Safety Engineer to elaborate on any part of the report you may find confusing and to recommend the best next steps.

There may be some cases where the engineer can resolve and fix the issue while still onsite, which will be at an additional cost and subject to your approval. It is important, whether this is the case or not, to keep records demonstrating that you are taking all necessary and reasonable steps to resolve the problem as soon as possible. 

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Non-compliance with the legal regulations and your obligations as a landlord can result in unlimited fines and/or six months imprisonment. The average fine is typically around £6000, but will vary depending on the severity of the situation.

In extreme cases, the location authority can step in and will result in enforcement actions, including sanctioned emergency remedial action. Landlords can also be charged with Manslaughter if their non-compliance leads to the death of a tenant in their property, though this is thankfully rare. 

What are our best practice tips for Gas Safety?

Staying on top of your Gas Safety obligations can be easy with our tips:

• Be Organised – Make sure you keep a record of past Gas Safety Certificates, along with the most recent and current report. Ensure you provide your tenants with up-to-date records and mark down a calendar reminder for your next inspection.

• Address any problem areas – The quicker you can act the better, especially if you feel concerned about the safety of an appliance. It’s always better to carry the work out as soon as possible, rather than wait for the following inspection. 

• Communicate clearly with your Tenants – if you need to complete an annual Gas Safety inspection during a tenancy, ask your tenants for permission to enter, as is required by a Tenant’s Right to Quiet Enjoyment. 

Landlords have a primary responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their tenants. Gas safety is a critical legal obligation, necessitating regular and thorough checks. Keeping organized records of past gas safety certificates and promptly communicating any concerns to your Gas Safe engineer will help facilitate swift resolutions.

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