What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)?

A landlord gas safety certificate — also known as a CP12 — is a legal document confirming that all gas appliances, flues, and pipework in a property have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and are safe to use. It’s a legal requirement for landlords, but we’re also often asked to do a gas safety check for homeowners who are selling their property — buyers or solicitors may request one to show the gas system is safe and sound.

It’s not just about ticking a box — it’s about protecting people and property from things like gas leaks, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and fire risks.

The check covers boilers, gas hobs, cookers, fires, and water heaters — plus the pipework, ventilation, flue condition, and anything nearby that might now be a safety issue.

You’d be surprised how often tenants fit things near cookers or fires, or do DIY jobs without knowing the risks. We’ve even seen flues affected by neighbouring building work or carport porch etc. — which can cause CO to leak into the home. A proper gas safety check catches all that — not just what’s inside the boiler.

We also check carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, because they’re just as important. The check can flag up small issues like missing alarms, or changes in regulations or compliance requirements that might have changed since the last visit — giving landlords or homeowners a chance to sort things before they turn into bigger problems.

The name “CP12” comes from an old British Gas form code, but today it’s officially called a Landlord Gas Safety Record.

Legal Requirements for Landlords in the UK

By law, landlords must have a gas safety check carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This applies to all rental properties that have gas appliances, pipework, or flues — whether it’s a single-let flat or a student HMO in places like Headingley, Burley, or West Leeds.

The good news is that, just like an MOT, the check can be done up to 2 months before the renewal date without affecting the expiry. This gives landlords flexibility to plan ahead and avoid last-minute rushes.

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll be issued with a Landlord Gas Safety Record (still often called a CP12 certificate).

A copy must be:

• Given to current tenants within 28 days
• Given to new tenants before they move in
• Kept for at least two years
• Supplied to the letting agent or landlord if arranged through a third party
• In HMO properties, the gas certificate usually needs to be displayed in a communal area, where all tenants can see it.

📌 Important: If you don’t have a valid gas safety certificate, you’re not just breaking the law — you could face fines, invalidated insurance, or even prosecution if there’s a serious safety issue.

What Happens During a Gas Safety Inspection?

During a landlord gas safety check, the engineer carries out a series of tests and visual inspections to make sure everything is safe, working properly, and complies with the latest regulations.

Key Tasks in a Gas Safety Check:

• Gas tightness test – to check for any gas leaks in the system
• Gas meter and pipework inspection – looking for wear, corrosion, or anything that could become a fire risk
• Visual inspection of the property – checking around appliances for safe clearances, proper ventilation, any signs of distress (like staining, scorching, or deterioration), and anything that’s changed since the last check — like furniture moved near cookers or DIY work that could affect safety
• Each gas appliance is then checked individually:
• Is it working properly?
• Are all safety devices operating correctly?
• Is it burning gas safely and efficiently? (we visually check the flames and carry out combustion analysis where needed)
• Is the flue or chimney removing gases safely from the property?
• We also check carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they’re installed in the right places and working as they should.
• If there have been changes to regulations, or the layout of the property has altered (like a room being split or repurposed), we’ll flag that too and offer guidance on what needs to be updated.

These checks apply whether you’re a landlord in West Leeds, managing student lets in Hyde Park or Burley, or even a homeowner looking to provide a certificate when selling.

Why Gas Safety Checks Matter for Landlords and Tenants

There’s often the question: “Do I really need to get a gas safety check done every year?”The simple answer is yes — and not just because it’s a legal requirement.

It’s not about pass or fail, and it’s not just ticking boxes for compliance. A proper landlord gas safety check is there to provide useful information to landlords and tenants — helping everyone keep up with safety standards and changes in regulation. It’s about making sure your appliances are safe, your property is protected, and you’re meeting your legal responsibilities without leaving anything to chance.

Even when there’s no obvious problem, small issues can creep in — things like:

• Gas pipes get corroded or gas taps not closing properly causing unnoticable leak what can develop later.
• A flue connection starting to come loose  become corroded or seals are start to fail  
• A tenant unknowingly blocking ventilation
• A boiler burning poorly because of a build-up
• Or a missing  non working CO alarm that no one noticed
• fire alarm are not working etc.

These kinds of things are easy to miss, but a proper landlord gas safety inspection will catch them before they turn into bigger, more expensive, or dangerous problems.

While not every issue picked up on the check is “reportable” or illegal, it’s still valuable information. It lets you fix things early, stay on the right side of the law, and show you’re taking safety seriously — which is especially important in student lets and HMO properties in West Leeds, where multiple tenants share a space.

If we find an unsafe appliance, it’ll usually be switched off, or in some cases completely disconnected until it’s been replaced or repaired and made safe to use again.

How Long Does a Gas Safety Check Typically Take?

A landlord gas certificate or CP12 check can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many gas appliances are in the property and what type they are.

Here’s a rough guide based on typical properties in West Leeds and surrounding areas:

• Single appliance (e.g. combi boiler only):Around 45 minutes — it’s a straightforward check of one appliance and a single CO alarm.
•  Add a gas hob: Adds about 15–20 minutes to the job. So now we’re looking at roughly an hour for boiler + hob.
•  Gas cooker with oven and grill:This adds another 15–20 minutes, because all safety devices have to be checked individually — separate ignition, flame supervision, burner stability, etc.
•  Gas fire:This takes more time, especially if it’s an open flue fire connected to a chimney. In these cases, the fire usually needs to be removed and re-fitted to properly check the condition of the flue and ensure it’s drawing safely. A full spillage test and flue flow test are also carried out. This part of the job can take around 30–45 minutes, sometimes more depending on access and setup.

So for example, a student let in Hyde Park with a combi boiler, hob, and a gas fire might take just under 2 hours in total — assuming everything is accessible and in good condition.

Consequences of Failing to Comply with Landlord Certificate Requirements

If a landlord doesn’t have a valid gas safety certificate (CP12), or fails to act on unsafe findings, the consequences can be serious.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the body responsible for enforcing gas safety laws, and they have the power to prosecute. Failure to meet your gas safety obligations is a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Penalties can include:

• Fines of up to £6,000 per breach
• Imprisonment of up to 6 months
• Invalidated landlord insurance
• And in severe cases, if negligence leads to harm or death, prosecution under corporate manslaughter or gross negligence, which can result in significant prison time and lifetime consequences.
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It’s not worth the risk — especially when the cost of a proper landlord gas check in Leeds is relatively low and can prevent much bigger problems later.

We regularly work with landlords across Leeds, Burley, Headingley, and Hyde Park, helping them stay fully compliant and avoid fines or delays with lettings and renewals.

Cost of a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate in Leeds area

The cost of a landlord gas safety certificate (CP12) in Leeds can vary depending on the number and type of appliances in the property. You’ll see plenty of prices listed online — but it’s worth being cautious.

We’ve come across companies offering very cheap gas checks, and to be honest, anything way below normal rates should ring alarm bells. That usually means the work is being rushed, subcontracted, and not done properly — and when it comes to gas safety, that’s not a risk worth taking.

A proper check takes time and care. You want it done thoroughly, not as fast as possible just to get a bit of paper.

How Much Do Gas Engineers Charge for a Safety Certificate?

From £60 + VAT for a standard gas safety check covering 1 or 2 appliances👉 Anything well below this should make you question if it’s being done right

Boiler servicing is usually offered at a discounted rate when booked at the same time — it makes sense to do both while we’re already there, and it helps keep your boiler running efficiently or stay within warranty.

Exclusive Offers & Tailored Gas Safety Plans for Landlords

While some costs are fixed, it’s always worth asking about current offers — especially if you’re a:

• Landlord with multiple properties

• Letting agent or portfolio manager

• Student let or HMO owner

• Client needing ongoing or contract work

We also offer a Landlord Plan — a simple monthly option where we take care of everything:

• Annual CP12 gas safety certificates

• Boiler servicing

• Reminder notifications

• Direct contact with tenants to arrange access

Ideal if you’ve got several properties or just want peace of mind knowing everything’s handled properly, on time, and without corner-cutting.

What Does the Engineer Need Access To?

To carry out a proper gas safety check, your engineer will need clear access to the following:

•  The gas meter
•  All gas appliances in the property — including boilers, gas hobs, cookers, and fires
•  Loft access or any areas where a flue runs (especially if there’s a gas fire connected to a chimney)
•  Every room the chimney or flue passes through, in case a full flue route check is needed — particularly important for open flue fires

It’s also helpful if you know where the water stop tap and the fuse board are located. These might need to be accessed — especially if you’ve booked a boiler service at the same time. In some cases, we may need to isolate water or power during servicing or for safety reasons.

We always recommend letting tenants know in advance so everything’s accessible — no blocked meter boxes, no heavy wardrobes in front of flues, and keys available if needed.

If access isn’t possible, we might not be able to issue the CP12 certificate, and a return visit may be needed.

Our Approach – No Rushing, No Cutting Corners

We don’t believe in cramming in 10–12 gas checks a day just to cut costs. Our approach is simple: Do the job properly, take our time, and never cut corners.

As a local company based in Leeds, we cover West Leeds, Headingley, Burley, Hyde Park, and the surrounding areas. We work with landlords, letting agents, and homeowners, especially those who value getting the job done right the first time.

We’re happy to:

• Contact tenants directly to arrange access

• Send reminders before your next gas certificate is due

• Offer discounted boiler servicing when booked with your gas safety check

• Handle multiple properties or set up a Landlord Plan, so you don’t have to think about it every year

We’re not in a price war with national call centers or anyone offering cheap, rushed jobs that leave things unchecked. We charge a fair price to do a proper job — and our existing clients know we take our time to get it right.

We treat every property like it’s our own. This means:

• Taking time to explain any issues we find

• Ensuring tenants are safe

• Leaving everything tidy

• Never disappearing if there’s a question afterward

If you’re looking for a gas safety check in Leeds that’s done properly — not just a rushed certificate — we’re here to help.

Don’t Forget Your Unvented Cylinder

Although it’s not part of the gas safety check, it’s worth mentioning: unvented hot water cylinders (e.g., Megaflo) should be checked and serviced every 12 months. These cylinders contain high-pressure hot water and rely on safety valves, expansion vessels, and discharge pipework.

We encounter these regularly in newer properties or student flats, and they’re often overlooked. If you’re booking a CP12 or boiler service, let us know, and we’ll check your unvented cylinder for peace of mind.

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A Quick Summary of a Landlord’s Responsibilities

If you’re renting out a property with gas appliances, there are three key responsibilities to stay on top of:

1. Annual Gas Safety Check:
   You must have a gas safety check carried out every 12 months on every gas appliance and flue. This must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

2. Provide a Gas Safety Record (CP12):
   After the check, you must:

   • Provide a copy to your current tenants within 28 days

   • Give a copy to new tenants before they move in

   • Keep a copy for at least 2 years

   • Ensure it’s clearly displayed in HMOs (e.g., student houses in Burley, Hyde Park, or Headingley)

3. Maintenance of Appliances:
   You are responsible for keeping gas pipework, appliances, and flues in safe working order. We recommend annual servicing, especially for boilers, to ensure reliability and often to keep warranties valid.

Bonus Tip: Let tenants know where the gas meter, water stop tap, and fuse board are, and explain what to do in a gas emergency. This could save time and prevent damage if something goes wrong.

Areas We Cover in Leeds

Based in Leeds, we cover the entire city. Whether you’re a landlord, letting agent, or homeowner, we’ve probably worked in your area. Some of the key areas we serve for landlord gas safety checks, CP12 certificates, and boiler servicing include:

• West Leeds: Armley, Bramley, Wortley, Farnley, Pudsey, Kirkstall

• North Leeds: Meanwood, Chapel Allerton, Moortown, Alwoodley

• South Leeds: Beeston, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Morley

• East Leeds: Seacroft, Cross Gates, Halton, Gipton, Harehills

• City Centre & Surrounding Areas: Burmantofts, Richmond Hill, Woodhouse

• Student Areas: Headingley, Hyde Park, Burley, Woodhouse, and other areas with HMOs or student lets

If you need a gas safety check, CP12 certificate, or a reliable engineer to carry out your boiler service properly in Leeds, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Get in Touch

📞 Call us today to book your landlord gas certificate or arrange a boiler service.
💻 Book online anytime through our easy-to-use online booking system.
📧 Need us to deal with tenants directly? No problem — we’re happy to arrange everything.

Whether you have one property or ten, we’ll take care of it properly — no rushing, no shortcuts, just safe, thorough work from a local Leeds company that knows how to get it right.

Want to learn about boiler service, what’s included, and what to expect to pay? Read our boiler service blog/guide here.

Attila from A Tech Installs