A landlord gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12 certificate, is a legal requirement for all properties a landlord owns, whether domestic or commercial. Every gas appliance and flue that you provide for use to your tenants must be checked every year.

But how much does it cost?

In this guide, we’ll explain the costs of landlord gas safety certificates, how you can save money and what you need to know to stay compliant with the law.

How much is a gas safety certificate for landlords?

The average cost of a landlord gas safety certificate ranges from £60 to £120 for a single gas appliance. If your property has multiple gas appliances, such as a boiler, gas hob or fire, the cost typically increases by £20-£40 per additional appliance.

While it’s tempting to shop around for the lowest quote, it’s vital to ensure your engineer is Gas Safe registered. It’s a legal requirement for any engineer who works on gas appliances. 

If your engineer is found not to be on the Gas Safe register (formerly known as CORGI), your gas safety certificate won’t be valid.

These prices are estimates based on our database of hourly and daily rates for heating engineers across the UK. For a more accurate estimate, take a look at our landlord gas safety certificate cost table and find your nearest town or city. 

What does a gas safety certificate check involve?

A Gas Safe-registered engineer will inspect all gas appliances, pipework and flues within the property to ensure they’re safe and working correctly. The check typically includes:

• Verifying each appliance is correctly set up and burning gas safely
• Checking flues and chimneys are clear and venting gases properly
• Ensuring safety devices, such as shut-off valves, are working
• Checking for signs of gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks

If you’ve asked them to, they can also carry out a boiler service, gas fire service or other gas appliance service at the same time. This is often the most cost-effective option.

Once the inspection is complete, the engineer will issue a Landlord Gas Safety Record (CP12) detailing the results of the checks and confirming whether the property meets safety standards.

What happens if my appliance fails the gas safety check?

If one or more of your gas appliances fail the safety inspection, your Gas Safe engineer will record the issue on your gas safety certificate and explain what needs to be done. Each fault is categorised according to its level of risk:

If your appliance is labelled At Risk or Immediately Dangerous, the engineer will either isolate or disconnect it to prevent use until repairs have been completed. 

As the landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure any issues are repaired as soon as possible by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Once the faults have been fixed, you’ll need to arrange a re-inspection to ensure the appliances now meet safety requirements.

Failing to repair a faulty gas appliance could lead to serious safety risks for your tenants and potential legal action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including fines or prosecution. Acting quickly helps protect your tenants, your property and your legal responsibilities.

How long should a gas safety check and certificate take?

A typical gas safety inspection takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number and type of appliances in the property. For instance, a small flat with one boiler and hob may take less than an hour, while a larger property with multiple gas fires or boilers could take longer.

It’s good practice to book your annual inspection well in advance, particularly during winter months when gas engineers are in high demand.

What happens if a gas safety certificate is late?

If your gas safety certificate expires before a new one is issued, you are legally non-compliant. This means:

• You cannot legally rent the property until a valid certificate is in place
• Your landlord insurance could be invalidated
• You may face fines or prosecution under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

The best way to avoid being late is to renew your gas safety certificate at least 28 days before the old one expires. You don’t lose any time on your next certificate by doing so early.

Do landlords need a gas safety certificate every year?

Yes, landlords do need a gas safety certificate every year, and for every gas appliance and property they own. 

Landlords must arrange a gas safety check every 12 months and provide tenants with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants must receive a valid certificate before moving in.

If you use a letting agent, they can usually coordinate the annual checks on your behalf, but the legal responsibility always remains with the landlord.

What happens if I don't get a gas safety certificate?

Failing to carry out annual gas safety checks is a serious breach of landlord law. Consequences can include:

• Fines of up to £6,000 per offence
• Potential imprisonment for severe negligence
• Invalidation of landlord insurance.
• The inability to evict tenants under a Section 21 notice
• Increased risk of gas leaks, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning - all of which put tenants in real danger

Keeping up with annual checks not only keeps you compliant but also provides peace of mind that your property is safe for tenants.

Can I get a free gas safety check?

Landlords are not eligible for free gas safety checks for their properties because they are considered part of your legal responsibilities. However, if you meet the criteria for your own home that you live in, you may be able to get a free gas safety check for your home.

These checks are usually paid for by energy suppliers or councils if you meet the following criteria:

• A resident is of pensionable age, disabled, or chronically ill, and
• Lives alone or with others in the same vulnerable group.

Although you can’t get free gas safety check for your rented properties, you can save money by combining your annual boiler service with your gas safety check. Many engineers offer bundled packages that reduce the overall cost.

If you’re ready to get quotes for your landlord gas safety certificate, post a job with HaMuch now. We’ll put you in touch with Gas Safe-registered engineers in your area who will be happy to help.

Estimates for common heating engineer jobs;

Rates for other trades