Gas Safety Certificates: Annual Requirement

If your property has gas, an annual Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement. No exceptions.

The Legal Requirement:

You must have all gas appliances, fittings, and flues checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What's Checked:

- Gas boiler

- Gas hob/cooker

- Gas fires

- Gas pipework

- Flues and ventilation

Who Can Do It:

ONLY Gas Safe registered engineers. Always check their ID card.

Timing:

- First check: Before tenancy starts

- Ongoing: Every 12 months

- New tenancy: Within 28 days of tenant moving in

The Certificate:

Must include:

- Date of check

- Address of property

- Landlord details

- Description of appliances

- Any defects found

- Engineer's signature and Gas Safe number

Providing to Tenants:

- Give copy within 28 days of check

- Give copy to new tenants before they move in

- Keep your own copy for 2 years

What If Appliances Fail?

Engineer will classify issues as:

- Immediately Dangerous (ID): Appliance will be turned off

- At Risk (AR): Should not be used until fixed

- Not to Current Standards (NCS): Note for future

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

- Unlimited fine

- Up to 6 months imprisonment

- Liability if accident occurs

- Cannot serve valid Section 21

Tenant Refuses Access:

1. Give 24 hours written notice

2. Try multiple appointment times

3. Send recorded delivery letter

4. Keep all evidence

5. Consider legal action if persistent refusal

Top Tips:

✓ Book next check before current one expires

✓ Set calendar reminders

✓ Use same engineer for consistency

✓ Keep digital copies of all certificates

✓ Include gas safety clause in tenancy agreement

Cost:

Typically £60-£100 depending on location and number of appliances.

Remember: This is about safety. Carbon monoxide kills. Never skip or delay gas safety checks.