Landlords: Are You Up to Date with Your Gas Safety Certificate?
If you’re a landlord in West London, staying on top of your legal responsibilities is key to protecting both your tenants and your property. One of the most important legal requirements is holding a valid gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12. Issued after a qualified engineer checks the gas appliances in your property, this certificate confirms that everything is operating safely and in line with the law.
In this post, we’ll explain what a CP12 covers, why it matters, when to book your inspection, and how West London Gas can help you stay compliant without the stress.
Understanding the Gas Safety Certificate
A CP12 certificate is a legal document that proves a registered engineer has inspected and passed all relevant gas appliances and pipework in your rental property. The inspection covers items such as the boiler, hob, oven and any gas fires. The engineer will test gas pressure, check for leaks, inspect the flue and assess the risk of carbon monoxide. Once everything is verified as safe, the certificate is issued.
The certificate includes important details such as the date of the check, the results of each test, any faults found, and confirmation that appliances are safe to use. You are required to keep this certificate for at least two years and provide a copy to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection or before they move in.
Why CP12 Compliance is So Important
Staying up to date with your gas safety responsibilities is not just about avoiding penalties. It’s about protecting lives. Faulty gas appliances can lead to serious risks including gas leaks, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Having regular inspections helps to identify and fix any issues before they become dangerous.
There are legal consequences too. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must carry out annual gas safety checks using a Gas Safe registered engineer. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines or prosecution. It may also void your landlord insurance policy if an incident occurs and you don’t have a valid CP12 on file.
What to Expect from a Gas Safety Inspection
When you book a gas safety check with West London Gas, a fully qualified Gas Safe engineer will visit your property to carry out a detailed inspection. They will check every gas appliance, flue and pipe for safety and efficiency. If any faults are found, the engineer will let you know immediately and recommend the appropriate next steps.
In most cases, your CP12 certificate will be issued the same day if everything is working as it should. If your boiler or other appliances need attention, we also offer prompt boiler repairs, as well as energy-efficient boiler installations if an upgrade is needed.
What’s included in a CP12 gas safety inspection?
A Gas Safe registered engineer will inspect all gas appliances in the property—typically the boiler, hob, oven, and gas fire—and carry out:
- Gas pressure and tightness tests
- Flue and ventilation checks
- Safety device testing
- Carbon monoxide risk assessments
Once passed, a CP12 certificate is issued confirming everything is safe and compliant.
How Much Does a Gas Safety Certificate Cost?
The cost of a gas safety inspection depends on the number of appliances and the size of your property. In West London, the average cost tends to be between £60 and £120. For a one-bedroom flat with a single boiler, you might expect to pay closer to the lower end, while larger properties or those with multiple appliances will cost a little more. Our pricing for landlords gives you more information on what you need.
To save time and money, many landlords opt to combine their annual gas safety check with their boiler service. This way, your entire heating system is checked in one visit and you’re prepared for the colder months ahead. You can find out more about our boiler servicing packages here.
When Should You Book Your CP12?
The best time to book your gas safety inspection is at least a month before your current certificate expires. This gives you time to schedule any repairs if needed without falling out of compliance. If you’re welcoming new tenants into your property, it’s a good idea to book your check in advance of their move-in date so you can hand over the certificate on time.
Try to avoid leaving it until the last minute, especially during winter when engineers are in high demand. Booking ahead keeps things running smoothly and ensures you stay within the law.
How long does a landlord gas safety check take?
The average inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of appliances. Larger properties or those needing repairs may take longer. Any issues found can be discussed on-site or scheduled for follow-up.
Common Mistakes Landlords Should Avoid
One of the most common errors landlords make is forgetting to book their inspection on time. A missed deadline can result in legal consequences, and in worst-case scenarios, you may be prevented from letting out the property until it’s resolved.
Another mistake is hiring someone who isn’t Gas Safe registered. Only engineers listed on the Gas Safe Register are legally permitted to issue CP12 certificates. You can check their credentials online or ask to see their ID card during the visit.
Finally, don’t overlook your responsibility to provide the certificate to your tenants. This is just as important as getting the check done in the first place. Keep both a digital and printed copy for your records and make sure your tenants receive their version within the 28-day window.
Can I combine my CP12 with a boiler service?
Yes—and it’s highly recommended. Many of our landlords choose to combine their gas safety check with an annual boiler service to:
- Save time and call-out fees
- Keep the full heating system in check
- Minimise winter breakdowns
- Ensure full compliance in a single visit
How West London Gas Can Help
West London Gas takes the stress out of gas safety compliance. Our experienced engineers are fully Gas Safe registered and provide professional, friendly service at a time that works for you. We cover everything from routine CP12 inspections to emergency boiler repairs and long-term maintenance. We are Gas Safe registered and have been trusted by West London landlords for over 20 years, serving Ealing, Acton, Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill, Chiswick, Twickenham, Brentford, and nearby areas.
For landlords managing more than one property, keeping on top of all your legal documents can be a challenge. That’s where our Surefire app comes in. With Surefire, you can securely store all your CP12 certificates and related documentation in one convenient place. This means no more paperwork piles or frantic searches when a tenant asks for a copy. You’ll have every certificate organised by property and accessible from your phone or laptop, making property management much simpler.
If your boiler is ageing or your energy bills are creeping up, we can also help you upgrade to a modern, energy-efficient model. Take a look at our boiler installation options or contact our team for expert advice tailored to your property.
From one-off inspections to comprehensive support for property portfolios, West London Gas is your trusted partner in staying compliant and keeping your tenants safe.
Additional Safety Upgrades to Consider
While a CP12 is the minimum legal requirement, going beyond the basics can make your property even safer and more attractive to tenants. Consider fitting carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms where gas appliances are present. You could also look into installing smart thermostats for better heating control, or thermostatic radiator valves to improve energy efficiency.
These small changes can boost tenant satisfaction, reduce maintenance costs and enhance the value of your property.
Book Your Gas Safety Check Today
Staying compliant with gas safety laws doesn’t need to be difficult. With the right support, you can protect your tenants, meet legal requirements and maintain your property with confidence.
West London Gas makes the process simple and straightforward. From CP12 certificates to expert boiler care, we’re here to help you keep your rental properties running safely all year round.
Visit our gas safety inspection page to book your appointment or get in touch with our team to find out more.