One of your key responsibilities as a landlord is to provide your tenants with a gas safety certificate – here’s everything you need to know.
To keep your property and tenants safe, it’s essential to regularly schedule gas safety checks – this ensures everything is running smoothly and gives you peace of mind.
Here at OpenRent, our goal is to equip landlords with the knowledge they need not only to safeguard their properties but also to stay fully compliant with current regulations.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide on gas safety certificates, addressing your most frequently asked questions, so you can have the confidence you need when renting out your property.
Use OpenRent’s established gas safety services to meet your landlord obligations and protect your tenants.
Order NowDo I need a gas safety check?
All UK landlords with gas appliances and fittings – including central heating, boilers and flues – must have an annual safety check conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
Your legal duties as a landlord cover any gas appliances that you own and provide for the use of the tenants of your property.
If the tenant supplies their own gas appliances, then you will be responsible for its installation parts and pipework, but not the appliance itself.
If you don’t have a gas supply in your property, then you don’t need to have a gas safety check.
How long does a gas safety certificate last?
A gas safety certificate stays valid for one year from the date of issue, and it’s crucial to renew it before its expiration date goes by.
It’s worth noting that, due to regulations introduced in April 2018, where a landlord arranges for a gas safety check to be carried out 10-12 months after the previous check, the original expiry date will be preserved.
For example, if you had a check done on 1st March 2023 and then your next one on 20th February 2024, the 2025 check should be completed by March 1st.
The law favours those who stay ahead of the game when it comes to arranging their gas safety checks, and we would recommend taking full advantage of this rule.
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Does OpenRent provide gas safety certificates?
OpenRent has teamed up with local, vetted Gas Safe engineers across the UK to provide a comprehensive and affordable gas safety service.
When you order a gas safety check from us you, will be able to arrange your appointment directly with the supplier, for a time and date that suits you.
You will receive an extensive check of all of the gas appliances that you own, and provide for the use of the tenants of your property, alongside all the accompanying systems, such as heating and boiler flue.
I’m a landlord but I haven’t listed a property with you, can I still use this service?
Yes, of course! All of our third-party services are available to every landlord, whether or not you’ve listed a property with OpenRent in the past.
How soon will I get the gas safety certificate after my appointment?
Your certificate will be uploaded on the OpenRent website within one to two working days following your appointment, and you’ll also receive a copy of the report via email.
Your gas safety certificate will include:
- A description and location of every appliance
- The name, registration number and signature of the engineer
- The date of the check was carried out
- The address of your property
- Information on any defects or faults and how to fix them
Rent Now offers all the landlord services you need, from contract signing to rent collection.
Find Out MoreWhat do I need to do once I have my gas safety certificate?
Upon receiving your gas safety certificate, your primary obligation is to keep a record of it for a minimum of two years.
You also need to supply new tenants with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of their move-in, following a new inspection, or upon the renewal of the tenancy agreement.
What about a boiler service?
You’re not legally obligated to get your boiler serviced, but as a landlord, it’s your duty to keep all appliances in safe working order.
That’s why we recommend an annual boiler service to make sure everything runs smoothly.
And to make life easier for you, we offer the option to book a boiler service along with your gas safety check.
What happens if my property fails a gas safety check?
Your engineer will clearly mark on your certificate the areas where the check has been successful and those where it hasn’t met the requirements.
If there are any failures, they’ll be able to suggest any remedial work that needs to be completed. In more severe cases, they might have to cut off the gas supply.
Our engineers are always happy to talk about performing remedial work, or take care of any concerns that pop up between gas safety certificate renewals.
What is the penalty for not having a gas safety check completed, or not providing the certificate to my tenants?
Landlords are legally obligated to supply their tenants with a valid gas safety certificate, as detailed earlier.
Therefore, landlords who fail to comply may be subject to unlimited fines and potential imprisonment.
I had a CP12 check booked through OR once. ‘Engineer’ was late, rude and useless. He tried to do the very minimum of checks and leave within 10 minutes. Pay peanuts and get monkeys. Never again since.