Gas Safety Certificates: A Landlord's Guide

What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A gas safety certificate — officially known as a CP12 — is a document that confirms all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in a property have been checked and are safe. It's issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after a successful inspection.

If you're a landlord in Portsmouth or anywhere else in the UK, getting an annual gas safety check is not optional — it's a legal requirement.

The Legal Requirements

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must:

• Have all gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Provide a copy of the certificate to tenants within 28 days of the check, or before they move in
• Keep records for 2 years of each gas safety check
• Ensure all gas appliances are maintained in a safe condition

This applies to all rented properties — houses, flats, HMOs, and even rooms in a shared house.

What Gets Checked?

During a gas safety inspection, the engineer will check:

• All gas appliances — boilers, gas fires, gas cookers, gas water heaters
• Pipework — visible gas pipes for leaks or damage
• Flues and ventilation — making sure exhaust gases are safely removed
• Safety devices — flame failure devices, thermocouples
• Gas pressure and flow — ensuring correct gas supply to each appliance
• Carbon monoxide — testing for any CO emissions

The engineer will test each appliance, check for gas leaks, and verify that ventilation is adequate. If everything passes, you'll receive your CP12 certificate.

What If an Appliance Fails?

If a gas appliance fails the safety check, the engineer will classify it as one of:

• At Risk (AR) — The appliance has a problem but isn't immediately dangerous. It should be repaired promptly.
• Immediately Dangerous (ID) — The appliance poses an immediate risk and must be disconnected and not used until repaired.
• Not to Current Standards (NCS) — The appliance doesn't meet current installation standards but isn't necessarily unsafe. It may need attention at the next service.

If an appliance is classified as Immediately Dangerous, the engineer is legally required to disconnect it and inform you. You must not reconnect it until a Gas Safe engineer has repaired it and confirmed it's safe.

How Much Does a Gas Safety Certificate Cost?

In Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, a gas safety check typically costs:

• 1 appliance: £60 – £80
• 2 appliances: £70 – £90
• 3+ appliances: £80 – £100+

At Blimp Plumbing, we offer competitive rates and discounts for landlords with multiple properties. We can also carry out any required repairs at the same time.

When to Book Your Check

The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the check. Key things to remember:

• Book before the expiry date — You can have the check done up to 2 months before the current certificate expires without losing any time (the new certificate will be dated from the old one's expiry date).
• New tenants — You must have a valid certificate before a new tenant moves in, and provide them with a copy.
• Mid-tenancy — If the certificate expires during a tenancy, you must renew it before the expiry date and give the tenant a copy within 28 days.

Tips for Landlords

Based on our experience working with landlords across Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, and Chichester:

• Set up reminders — We offer an annual reminder service so you never miss a renewal.
• Combine with a boiler service — We can do both at the same time, which saves you a second visit.
• Keep copies — We email certificates digitally, but keep your own records for at least 2 years.
• Inform your tenants — Give them advance notice of the inspection and ensure they know they need to provide access.
• Choose a local engineer — Using a local Gas Safe engineer means faster response and knowledge of local property types.

Do Tenants Have to Provide Access?

Yes — tenants are legally required to provide reasonable access for gas safety checks. However, if a tenant refuses access:

1. Write to them explaining the legal requirement
2. Give at least 24 hours' notice for the visit
3. Offer alternative dates and times
4. Document all attempts to arrange access
5. If they continue to refuse, seek legal advice

You can demonstrate compliance if you can prove you made every reasonable effort to carry out the check.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

While not strictly part of the gas safety check, landlords in England are also legally required to have carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (except gas cookers). This includes rooms with:

• Gas boilers
• Gas fires
• Wood-burning stoves

CO alarms should be tested regularly and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually every 5-7 years).

Book Your Gas Safety Check

If you're a landlord in Portsmouth or Hampshire, get in touch with Blimp Plumbing to book your gas safety check. Same-day certificates, competitive rates, and we'll remind you when the next one is due.