The landlord's guide to gas safety compliance

As a landlord, keeping your rental property safe is a top priority—and gas safety is one of the most important areas to get right. A faulty boiler or gas appliance isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be dangerous. That’s why landlords are legally required to carry out regular checks and keep their properties compliant. 

But with all the rules and paperwork, staying on top of gas safety can feel like just another admin headache. The good news? With the right approach, it’s actually quite straightforward. Here’s what you need to know to keep your property safe, stay compliant, and avoid unexpected issues. 

By law, landlords have to make sure all gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe to use. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 set out a few key responsibilities: 

• Annual Gas Safety Check – A Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect the property’s gas appliances, pipework, and flues once a year. 

• Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) – After the check, you’ll get a certificate confirming that everything is safe. You must give a copy to your tenants within 28 days. 

• Record Keeping – You need to keep Gas Safety Certificates for at least two years. 

• Ongoing Maintenance – If something isn’t working properly, it’s up to the landlord to arrange repairs. 

Ignoring these rules isn’t an option. Failing to meet gas safety requirements can lead to fines of up to £6,000 per breach—or worse, put tenants at serious risk. 

• Only engineers registered with Gas Safe can legally carry out the check. Always ask to see their ID before the inspection. 

• Make sure tenants are aware of the visit and that the engineer will need access to all gas appliances. 

• The engineer will check the boiler, gas pipes, flues, and any gas appliances to make sure everything is working safely. 

• If they spot any issues, repairs may be needed before they can issue the certificate. 

• Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a CP12 certificate. 

• A copy must be given to your tenants within 28 days. If new tenants move in, they should get a copy before their tenancy starts. 

Keeping on top of gas safety isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about keeping people safe. A faulty boiler or gas leak can have serious consequences: 

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Gas appliances that aren’t burning properly can produce carbon monoxide, which is odourless, invisible, and deadly. 

• Gas Leaks & Explosions – Poorly maintained gas systems can lead to serious accidents. 

• Tenant Complaints & Legal Issues – A neglected gas system can lead to unhappy tenants, disputes, and even legal trouble. 

An annual gas safety check is a simple way to avoid these risks and keep everything running smoothly. 

Gas safety compliance doesn’t have to be stressful. YourRepair offers specialist landlord cover that includes an annual Gas Safety Check—so you don’t have to worry about booking inspections or staying compliant. 

With YourRepair, you get: 

• An annual Gas Safety Check & CP12 Certificate – No need to book separately, it’s all taken care of. 

• 24/7 Breakdown Support – If something goes wrong, help is available around the clock. 

• A Nationwide Network of Gas Safe Engineers – Reliable, qualified professionals when you need them. 

• Boiler & Heating Cover – Protection against costly breakdowns. 

NRLA members can get one month free on any YourRepair landlord care plan when purchasing through NRLA. It’s an easy way to make sure your property stays compliant—without the hassle. 

Gas safety is a legal requirement, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right support in place, you can keep your tenants safe, stay compliant, and avoid unexpected costs. 

Find out more and claim your exclusive NRLA offer below.