A gas safety certificate, commonly called a CP12, is a legal document confirming that the gas appliances, pipework, and flues in a rented property have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and found to be safe. For landlords across Croydon, it’s a legal requirement renewed every year, covering everything from boilers and gas fires to gas cookers and hobs in the rented property.
What’s included
A gas safety check covers every gas appliance in the property, testing that each one is burning gas correctly, checking gas pressure, inspecting flues for blockages or damage, and confirming there’s adequate ventilation where required. The engineer also checks pipework for leaks and corrosion, and tests safety devices on appliances like boilers to make sure they shut down correctly if something goes wrong. Once everything’s checked, you’re issued a certificate listing each appliance, its condition, and whether any action is needed.
Why landlords legally need one
Under UK gas safety regulations, landlords must have every gas appliance and flue in a rented property checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, provide tenants with a copy of the current certificate within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in. Failing to hold a valid certificate is a legal breach that can result in prosecution, so it’s not an optional extra for anyone letting out a property in Croydon.
What to expect during the check
The engineer works through each gas appliance in the property in turn, testing performance, checking connections, and inspecting the flue and any ventilation. Where appliances are built in or hard to access, the engineer will need clear access to carry out a proper check, so it helps to make sure rooms with gas appliances are accessible on the day. At the end of the visit you’ll receive the certificate itself, along with a straightforward explanation of anything flagged and what, if anything, needs fixing before the property is fully compliant.
Renewal and record keeping
A gas safety certificate lasts 12 months from the date of issue and needs renewing every year to keep the property legally compliant. The check can be carried out up to two months before the existing certificate expires without losing any time off the new certificate’s 12-month period, which makes it easier to fit the renewal around tenancy changeovers. Landlords need to keep copies of certificates for at least two years and provide a copy to tenants each time it’s renewed.
Why choose a Gas Safe registered engineer
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally carry out a gas safety check and issue a valid CP12 - a certificate from anyone else simply isn’t valid and won’t meet a landlord’s legal obligations. A properly conducted check also protects tenants, since it’s designed to catch faults that could otherwise lead to gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure, which is exactly why the annual requirement exists in the first place.