Landlord Safety Checks by Gas Engineers: An Essential Role in Property Safety
UK landlords have lots of responsibilities — and one of the most important is gas safety. To keep up with these obligations, you need to employ a Gas Safe registered engineer who can perform official checks and issue the safety certificate.
Here’s what landlords must understand about gas safety inspections, the engineer’s role, and compliance to keep your tenants and property safe.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Inspection?
If your rental property has a gas boiler, hob, fire or pipework, you will need to arrange for a 12-monthly gas safety check. The check, conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer, is to ensure that all of the gas appliances and systems are safe to use.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a Gas Safety Certificate — commonly referred to as a CP12. This confirms either that everything is safe, or highlights any issues that need to be fixed.
What Does a Gas Engineer Check?
During the inspection, the engineer will:
- Test all gas appliances (e.g. boilers, fires, cookers)
- Check pipework and the gas meter for leaks or faults
- Inspect flues and chimneys for blockages or unsafe installation
- Provide ventilation that is adequate and in line with legislation
- Check for carbon monoxide risk
- Make sure all safety gear (e.g., pressure valves) is operating properly
- In case it is not safe, the engineer may tag it:
- At Risk (AR) – not faulty or non-compliant yet, but might be hazardous
- Immediately Dangerous (ID) – an existing hazard and must be turned off
Either case, the appliance will need to be repaired or removed, and inspected again after repair.
Why the Engineer Needs to Be Gas Safe Registered
It is against the law in the UK for anyone that isn’t Gas Safe registered to work with gas.
- Before employing an engineer:
- Request to look at their Gas Safe ID card
- Check their registration on GasSafeRegister.co.uk
- Check they’re certified to the appliance type in your home
Hiring an unregistered tradesperson isn’t just illegal — it’s also renders the inspection invalid and can be dangerous to life.
When Are Landlords Required to Carry Out Inspections?
You should:
- Arrange for a gas safety check every 12 months
- Give existing tenants a copy of the CP12 within 28 days
- Issue the certificate to new tenants before they move in
- Keep records for at least two years
New appliances must also be checked prior to use by tenants.
If you own several properties, it’s worth making use of a computer reminder system or property software to note down renewal dates.
Why It Matters to Have a Reliable Engineer
Gas safety is not simply a matter of remaining compliant — it’s about having a reliable, ongoing relationship with an expert who understands the needs of landlords.
A good gas engineer will:
- Remind you when renewal time is near
- Correctly explain faults and provide you with straight advice
- Finish work with minimal disruption to occupants
- Offer additional services like servicing boilers or carbon monoxide alarm checks
- Be available in emergency situations
Inspectors usually make it more effective and economical in the long term to arrange inspections together with yearly servicing.
What Happens If You Don’t Obey?
If you don’t undertake a valid gas inspection, you risk:
- Fines or criminal prosecution
- Voided insurance policies
- Issues with Section 21 evictions (you can’t serve notice without proof of compliance)
- Serious harm to tenants, including carbon monoxide poisoning
Gas safety is a legal obligation, but it’s also a vital part of being a good landlord.
Finding an Experienced Gas Engineer
To find the right individual:
- Look up the Gas Safe Register by postcode
- Request recommendations from local letting agents or other landlords
- Search online reviews and track record with rental property
- Request whether they can offer multi-property discounts or bulk testing
Always ensure that the inspection leads to a written CP12 certificate — this is your official proof of compliance.
Last Word
Gas engineers are a vital component of property management. They’re not there to tick a box — they help landlords keep tenants safe, to be legally compliant, and to avoid unexpected problems.
Whether you’re managing one flat or a portfolio of buildings, having a relationship with a competent, reliable gas engineer brings peace of mind and keeps your rentals running. Contact us for more information on gas engineers for landlord inspections .
