A Gas Safety Certificate is an official document that confirms all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in a property are safe and working correctly. Think of it as an MOT for your gas setup. If you're a landlord, you legally must have one. If you're a homeowner, it’s a great way to make sure everything is safe for your peace of mind. The check itself involves a Gas Safe registered engineer inspecting all gas appliances to make sure they're not putting anyone at risk.

Yes, absolutely. If you rent out a property with any gas appliances (like a boiler, cooker, or gas fire), UK law states you must have a valid Gas Safety Certificate. This check needs to be carried out every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It's your responsibility as a landlord to make sure your tenants are safe from gas-related dangers.

A Gas Safety Certificate is valid for one year from the date it's issued. You'll need to arrange for a new check and receive a new certificate before the current one expires. It's a good idea to set a reminder a month or so before the expiry date to make sure there’s no gap in cover.

During a Gas Safety check, the engineer will look at all gas appliances installed in the property. This includes, but isn't limited to, gas boilers, gas cookers and hobs, gas fires, and gas water heaters. They'll also check the visible gas pipework and the flue of each appliance to make sure they are in good working order and safe to use.

If the engineer finds an appliance that isn't safe, they'll let you know straight away. Depending on how serious the issue is, they might have to disconnect it to make it safe. The certificate will detail any faults found and what needs to be done to fix them. You'll then need to arrange for repairs by a Gas Safe engineer before the appliance can be used again.

Yes, as a landlord, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the valid Gas Safety Certificate. New tenants should receive it before they move in, and existing tenants should get a copy within 28 days of the annual check being completed. It's an important part of their safety information for the property.

A Gas Safety Certificate is quite detailed. It will include:

• The address of the property where the inspection was carried out.
• The name and Gas Safe Register number of the engineer who performed the check, and the business they work for.
• The date the inspection was carried out.
• A description and location of each gas appliance and flue checked.
• Details of any safety defects found and any action taken or required.
• Confirmation that all safety checks have been completed and the appliances are safe to use (or details if they are not).

While it's not a legal requirement for homeowners in the same way it is for landlords, it's highly recommended. An annual gas safety check gives you peace of mind that your gas appliances are working efficiently and, most importantly, safely. It can help spot potential problems, like carbon monoxide leaks, before they become serious. Many homeowners choose to have a CP1 (Homeowner Gas Safety Record) completed for this reason, especially if they are selling their property.

Only engineers who are on the Gas Safe Register are legally allowed to carry out gas work, including Gas Safety Certificate inspections. Always ask to see their Gas Safe ID card before they start work. You can also check their registration details on the Gas Safe Register website. Make sure the engineer is qualified for the specific type of gas appliances you have in your property.

Yes, it’s good practice. Landlords are legally required to keep copies of their Gas Safety Certificates for at least two years. This provides a record of safety checks and shows you're meeting your legal obligations. Even for homeowners, keeping past certificates can be useful to track the history of your appliances.