Landlords have specific legal obligations regarding gas safety and heating in rental properties. Failing to comply can result in prosecution, fines, and — most importantly — putting tenants at risk.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
All gas appliances in rental properties must be: installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, maintained in safe condition, and inspected annually by a Gas Safe engineer. The Gas Safety Check certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
The Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
After an annual gas safety inspection (typically £79–£99), the engineer issues a CP12 certificate listing all gas appliances inspected. This must be retained for 2 years and given to any new tenant before they move in.
Repair obligations
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for keeping the heating and hot water systems in repair and proper working order. This means responding promptly to boiler faults — in cold weather, particularly urgently.
Recommended practice
Annual gas safety check + boiler service (combined in one visit = better value). A working carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas appliance (mandatory from October 2022). Written records of all gas work and repairs.
Our landlord services
We offer annual gas safety certificates and combined service/certificate visits for single properties and portfolios. See our landlord services.