Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) rules for landlords 2026

What you must do

Every rented property with a gas supply must have all gas appliances, fittings and flues checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. You must give the tenant a copy of the Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the check (and to new tenants before they move in). A useful MOT-style rule applies: if you renew in the two months before expiry, the renewal keeps the original anniversary date so you don't lose time. Failure carries an unlimited fine and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Keep records for at least two years.

This is a legal obligation for private landlords in England. Keeping dated records is the simplest way to prove you have met it if a tenant, council or lender ever asks.

How often / when

Every 12 months.

CertSafe works out the exact next-due date for your property automatically once you enter when it was last done, and reminds you at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before — plus if anything slips overdue.

The penalty for getting it wrong

Unlimited fine and possible imprisonment; invalid possession notices.

Penalties are set by legislation and enforced by local authorities or the courts. They can also complicate possession, mortgage and insurance matters, which is why lenders increasingly ask to see a compliance record.

Your quick checklist

1. Find the date this was last done (or arrange it now if it hasn't been).

2. Keep the certificate or record somewhere safe and give any required copy to your tenant.

3. Diarise the next deadline — or let CertSafe track it and remind you.

Frequently asked questions