What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate, also known as a CP12 Certificate, is an official document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following an inspection of a property's gas appliances, pipework and flues.

The certificate confirms whether the gas installations have been checked and are safe to use at the time of inspection. It records the condition of each appliance tested and highlights any defects or remedial work required.

Why do I need a Gas Safety Certificate?

If you are a landlord, obtaining an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is a legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 for any property with gas appliances.

A valid Gas Safety Certificate helps to:

• Comply with UK landlord legislation
• Protect tenants from gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Ensure gas appliances are operating safely
• Demonstrate your legal responsibilities as a landlord
• Provide peace of mind for both landlords and tenants

Landlords must also provide a copy of the current Gas Safety Certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before they move into the property.

Although homeowners are not legally required to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate, regular gas safety checks are strongly recommended to ensure the safety and efficiency of gas appliances.

How long is a Gas Safety Certificate valid for?

A Gas Safety Certificate is valid for 12 months.

Landlords are legally required to arrange a new Gas Safety Inspection every year to ensure continued compliance with UK regulations.

To avoid your certificate expiring, we recommend booking your next inspection several weeks before the renewal date.

What happens if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?

If you are a landlord and fail to obtain a valid Gas Safety Certificate when legally required, you may be in breach of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Failure to comply can result in:

• Enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• Unlimited fines
• Criminal prosecution
• In serious cases involving negligence, imprisonment
• Difficulty obtaining possession of your property if legal requirements have not been met

Most importantly, failing to carry out annual gas safety inspections could place tenants at risk from dangerous gas leaks or carbon monoxide.

What does a Gas Safety Inspection involve?

A Gas Safe registered engineer will visit your property to inspect all accessible gas appliances, pipework and flues.

During the inspection, the engineer will:

• Test each gas appliance for safe operation
• Check for gas leaks
• Inspect flues and ventilation
• Ensure appliances are burning gas correctly
• Check safety devices are functioning properly
• Identify any defects or unsafe installations

If everything meets the required safety standards, a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) will be issued.

If any issues are identified, the engineer will explain what remedial work is required before the installation can be considered safe.

How long does a Gas Safety Inspection take?

Most domestic Gas Safety Inspections take 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of gas appliances within the property.

Properties with multiple boilers, fires or gas cookers may take slightly longer.

Your Gas Safety Certificate is usually issued shortly after the inspection has been completed.

How much does a Gas Safety Certificate cost?

At DVJ Property Services LTD, our Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) start from just £70.

The exact price depends on the number of gas appliances, or units, that need to be inspected. For example, a boiler counts as one unit, while a gas hob, gas cooker or gas fire would each count as an additional unit.

Most residential properties have around two gas units, which are covered within our standard starting price. Properties with additional gas appliances may incur a small extra charge for each additional unit. Any additional cost will always be confirmed before the booking.

As we are based in Leeds, properties located further away may also incur a small travel charge.

Our Gas Safety service includes:

• Inspection by a fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineer
• A complete safety check of all accessible gas appliances
• An official CP12 Gas Safety Certificate
• Prompt digital delivery of your certificate
• Friendly, reliable service across Leeds and Yorkshire

To book your Gas Safety Inspection or request a free quotation, simply contact our team today.