Landlord Gas Safety Certificates in Derby: What You Need and When
Landlord Gas Safety Certificates in Derby: What You Need and When
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Get a free quoteShort answer: If you let a property with gas appliances, the law requires a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. You must give a copy of the record, often called a landlord gas safety certificate or CP12, to existing tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants before they move in. Keep each record for at least two years.
A landlord gas safety certificate is one of the most important pieces of paperwork any landlord holds. In Derby, where a large share of homes are rented, it is also one of the most searched-for questions we get from landlords and letting agents.
This guide explains what the law says, what the check involves, how to keep on top of renewal dates and what happens if an appliance fails. It is written by Gas Safe registered engineers who have carried out gas inspections in Derby since 1997.
Please note: This guide is a plain-English summary for landlords in England, not legal advice. Always check the latest guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Gas Safe Register.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
The official name is a landlord gas safety record. It is the written record an engineer produces after carrying out the annual gas safety check. Many people still call it a CP12, which was the name of the original form.
The record shows which gas appliances, fittings and flues were checked, the results of each test, any faults found and the action taken. It also shows the engineer's name, Gas Safe registration number and the date of the check.
What the law requires from landlords
The legal duties come from the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. In simple terms, landlords must:
| Duty | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Annual gas safety check | Every gas appliance and flue you provide must be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months |
| Give tenants a copy | Existing tenants within 28 days of the check. New tenants before they move in |
| Keep records | Keep each gas safety record for at least two years |
| Maintain gas equipment | Keep pipework, appliances and flues you provide in a safe condition, usually through regular servicing |
| Use a registered engineer | All gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer |
These duties cover natural gas and LPG. They apply to most residential lettings, including houses, flats, HMOs and holiday lets. Appliances owned by the tenant are the tenant's responsibility, but the landlord remains responsible for the pipework and any flue they provide.
How often do I need a gas safety check?
Every 12 months. You can have the check carried out up to two months before the current record expires and still keep your original renewal date. That gives you a window to book an engineer in good time without losing months off your certificate.
For a Derby landlord with several properties, it often helps to line up renewals so checks happen in batches. We can work with you or your letting agent to plan that.
What does a landlord gas safety check involve?
An engineer checks every gas appliance, fitting and flue you provide in the property. Typically, that includes:
- A tightness test on the gas installation to check for leaks.
- Checking appliances are burning correctly, including gas pressure and how the appliance is running.
- Checking flues and chimneys to make sure fumes are safely removed.
- Checking ventilation is adequate for each appliance.
- Testing safety devices that shut the appliance down if something goes wrong.
- Recording the results on the gas safety record, with any faults and actions noted.
A gas safety check is not the same as a full service. The check confirms the appliance is safe. A boiler service goes further, cleaning and maintaining components to keep it running well. Many landlords book both on the same visit. Our boiler service guide explains what a service includes.
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Check our indicative prices for gas safety inspections, servicing and fault finding across Derby and Derbyshire.
View our price listWhat happens if an appliance fails the check?
If the engineer finds a problem, it will be recorded on the gas safety record along with what was done about it. Depending on how serious it is, the engineer will follow the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure.
| Finding | What it usually means | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately dangerous | A risk to life or property right now | The appliance is disconnected with your permission and must not be used until repaired |
| At risk | Faults that could become dangerous | The appliance is turned off with your permission and needs repair before use |
| Not to current standards | Safe to use, but does not meet today's standards | Advice given on bringing it up to standard |
Where repairs are needed, we will explain what is wrong and give you a price before any work is agreed. If the boiler is old and failing, our guide to the signs you need a new boiler, not another repair can help you decide what makes sense.
Carbon monoxide alarms in rented homes
Alongside the gas safety check, landlords in England must fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler or gas fire. Gas cookers are excluded. Alarms must be repaired or replaced once a landlord is told they are faulty.
A gas safety check is a good moment to make sure alarms are in place and working. If you are unsure which rooms need one, ask the engineer during the visit.
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Talk it through with a Gas Safe engineer. Call 01332 204533, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, or send us a message.
Speak to our teamHow to prepare for the engineer's visit
A little preparation makes the check quicker and avoids a wasted visit. Before the engineer arrives at your Derby property:
- Arrange access with your tenant. Give reasonable notice and confirm the time in writing.
- Make sure the gas supply is on and there is credit on any prepayment meter, so appliances can be tested.
- Clear access to appliances and the meter. Boiler cupboards, gas fires and meter boxes should be reachable.
- Have the previous record to hand. It helps the engineer see what was found last time.
- List any concerns. If tenants have reported noises, smells or poor heating, tell the engineer.
If a tenant cannot be there, agree how the engineer will get in. Letting agents often coordinate this for landlords with several properties.
What if I miss a gas safety check?
Failing to carry out the annual check, or failing to give tenants a copy, is a breach of the gas safety regulations and can lead to enforcement action and prosecution. More importantly, an unchecked appliance can put tenants at risk from gas leaks, fires and carbon monoxide.
If your record has already expired, book a check as soon as possible and keep a note of the steps you have taken. If a tenant will not give access, keep a written record of each attempt to arrange the visit.
A simple compliance checklist for Derby landlords
- Know the expiry date of every gas safety record you hold.
- Book the next check within the two months before it expires.
- Use a Gas Safe registered engineer and check their ID card.
- Give existing tenants a copy within 28 days.
- Give new tenants a copy before they move in.
- Keep every record for at least two years.
- Check carbon monoxide alarms are fitted where required and working.
- Book an annual boiler service to keep appliances well maintained.
- Keep a log of any access attempts if a tenant is hard to reach.
Gas safety checks for landlords and agents across Derbyshire
We carry out gas inspections and certificates for private landlords, letting agents and housing providers across Derby. We cover the city and surrounding areas, including Amber Valley and Erewash, South Derbyshire, Burton on Trent and Coalville.
Our engineers work on natural gas and LPG, and we also look after commercial properties such as offices, care homes and schools. If you manage a portfolio, talk to us about lining up renewals so nothing slips.
Landlord gas safety certificate: FAQs
How often do landlords need a gas safety certificate?
Every 12 months. Each gas appliance and flue the landlord provides must be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer once a year.
Is a CP12 the same as a landlord gas safety certificate?
Yes. CP12 was the name of the original form, and many people still use it. The official name is a landlord gas safety record.
Can I get my gas safety check done early?
Yes. A check carried out up to two months before the current record expires keeps the original renewal date, so you do not lose time off the certificate.
When must I give tenants a copy?
Give existing tenants a copy within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in.
Does the landlord gas safety check cover LPG?
Yes. The gas safety duties apply to LPG appliances as well as natural gas.
Who can do landlord gas safety checks in Derby?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. Etta Plumbing & Heating Services is Gas Safe registered (166252), based in Derby and trading since 1997. We carry out landlord gas safety checks across Derby and Derbyshire.
Stay safe, stay compliant, every year
A landlord gas safety certificate protects your tenants, your property and you. The rules are clear: a check every 12 months, a copy to tenants and records kept for two years.
Put the dates in your diary, book early and use a Gas Safe registered engineer you trust. A local Derby team can make the whole process quick and simple, year after year.
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