Landlord Certificates
Landlord Gas Safety Duties: The Legal Side Explained
Reviewed by our Gas Safe registered engineers · Last updated 22 July 2026
Getting the annual check done is only part of a landlord’s legal obligation. There’s a set of record-keeping and tenant-notification duties that catch out even experienced landlords — here’s exactly what the law requires of you.
Quick answer: Beyond arranging the annual gas safety check on every appliance and flue, you must give existing tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the check, give new tenants a copy before they move in, keep records for at least two years, and use a Gas Safe registered engineer. Miss any of these and you’re non-compliant even if the check itself was done. The safety check is a legal requirement; a service is separate.
Your Duties
What the law actually requires
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, a landlord’s duties go well beyond booking the check. Here’s the full set.
| Duty | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| Annual gas safety check | Every gas appliance and flue checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe engineer |
| Give tenants the record | Existing tenants within 28 days; new tenants before they move in |
| Keep records | Retain each Gas Safety Record for at least two years |
| Use a registered engineer | Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the check |
| Right of access | Take reasonable steps to gain access and keep evidence of your attempts |
| Act on defects | Address any faults the engineer identifies without delay |
In Practice
Getting it right
Your core duties
Arrange the annual check on every appliance and flue, use a Gas Safe registered engineer, give tenants their copy of the record on time, and keep records for two years. Set a renewal reminder so the anniversary date never slips.
Where landlords get caught out
Assuming a letting agent handles it (check your contract), missing the 28-day tenant-copy deadline, letting the anniversary date drift later each year, and confusing a service with the legal safety check. A CP12 is not a service, and a service is not a CP12.
Engineer Insight
Protect your anniversary date
The mistake we see most is the anniversary date quietly drifting. The check is due every 12 months, but if you book late each year the date creeps forward and eventually you’re out of compliance without realising. You can have the check done up to two months before it’s due without losing the original anniversary date — so booking early actually protects your dates. If you manage several properties, put them all on one schedule and let us handle the reminders.
Costs
What a check typically costs
Typical North London guide prices — you’ll always get an upfront quote before any work starts.
FAQs
Landlord duties — your questions answered
What are a landlord’s gas safety responsibilities?
Arrange an annual gas safety check on every appliance and flue by a Gas Safe registered engineer, give tenants a copy of the record (existing within 28 days, new before they move in), keep records for at least two years, and act on any defects found.
How long do I have to give tenants the record?
Within 28 days of the check for existing tenants, and before they move in for new tenants. For very short lets you can display the record prominently instead.
How long must I keep gas safety records?
At least two years. Keep them somewhere accessible — you may need to produce them for a new tenancy, a dispute, or an insurance or legal query.
Does a letting agent handle gas safety for me?
Only if your contract says so. Many landlords assume the agent arranges it and get caught out. Check the agreement in writing, and confirm who books the check and holds the records.
Is a gas safety check the same as a service?
No. The safety check (CP12) is a legal inspection confirming appliances are safe at that time. A service is maintenance that keeps the boiler running well. You often want both, but one doesn’t include the other.
Related
Related guides
What a CP12 is and what it covers.
Read guideLandlord CertificatesHow Often Do You Need One?Timing, renewals and the anniversary date.
Read guideLandlord CertificatesEICR vs Gas Safety CertificateThe two checks landlords confuse.
Read guideMaintenanceAnnual Boiler ServiceA service is not the same as a safety check.
Read guideMaintenanceSigns Your Boiler Needs ServicingSpotting problems between checks.
Read guideEmergencyCarbon Monoxide Warning SignsThe safety risk behind the checks.
Read guideBrowse all Landlord Certificate guides, or head back to the Help & Advice Centre.
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