Gas & Electrical Safety Obligations at Move-In (England)

Moving into a rented home should feel safe and straightforward, but tenants and renters in England often worry about gas and electrical checks when they sign a tenancy. This guide explains what documents landlords must provide at or before move-in, how to check a Gas Safety Record (CP12) and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and what steps you can take if certificates are missing or show faults. It covers practical examples — including how to request copies and how to report immediate dangers — and points you to the official forms and tribunals that handle disputes. Use this to protect your safety and your rights when taking on a new tenancy.

What landlords must provide at move-in

Landlords in England must ensure gas appliances and installations are safe and have electrical installations checked at regular intervals. You should receive a copy of the Gas Safety Record (commonly called the CP12) and evidence of a recent EICR before or on move-in. See official guidance for landlords and tenants for the exact duties and timelines.^[1][2] These duties sit alongside tenancy laws such as the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 that govern landlord and tenant relationships in England.^[4][5]

Gas safety: the CP12 record

The Gas Safety Record (CP12) is produced after an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It lists the appliances inspected, any defects found and actions taken. Tenants should receive a copy before moving in or within 28 days of the check if already in tenancy. If a CP12 is missing or shows unsafe items, do not use the appliance and tell the landlord immediately; if there is a gas smell, call the national gas emergency service.

Before you move in: quick checklist

• Check for a valid gas safety record (CP12) and a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before signing the tenancy.
• Ask the landlord to provide copies in writing and request a dated delivery method so you have proof you received them.
• If you detect a gas smell, call the gas emergency number immediately and inform the landlord once safe to do so.

Electrical safety: the EICR

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) records the condition of fixed electrical installations and highlights any defects or urgent work. Landlords must ensure electrical installations are safe and provide tenants with proof of checks. If an EICR shows dangerous wiring or fail codes, the landlord must arrange remedial work promptly and you should avoid using affected circuits until fixed.

If certificates are missing or show faults

If your landlord does not provide the CP12 or EICR, ask in writing for copies and set a reasonable deadline. If you still do not receive them, you can report hazards to your local authority environmental health department, or raise a dispute with the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for England and Wales to seek remedies and enforcement.^[3]

FAQ

Are landlords required to give me a gas safety certificate and electrical report at move-in?

Yes. Landlords must provide a copy of the Gas Safety Record (CP12) and evidence of electrical safety checks such as an EICR before or on move-in, or within 28 days if the check happened earlier.

How can I check a certificate is genuine?

Check the CP12 or EICR for the engineer's or company's name and registration, the dates of inspection, clear descriptions of appliances and any remedial notes, and keep a copy for your records.

What should I do if my landlord refuses to provide certificates?

Request the documents in writing, report serious safety hazards to your local authority, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if the landlord still fails to act.

How-To

1. Check the Gas Safety Record (CP12) and EICR before signing or on move-in and save copies for your records.
2. Ask the landlord in writing for copies and set a clear deadline for delivery if they are not provided immediately.
3. Report urgent dangers (gas smell, exposed live wiring) to emergency services first, then notify your landlord and local authority.
4. If the landlord does not act, gather your evidence and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for enforcement or compensation.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gas safety: Landlord's responsibilities (GOV.UK)
• Electrical safety: what landlords must do (GOV.UK)
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (GOV.UK)

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1. [1] GOV.UK - Gas safety: Landlord's responsibilities
2. [2] GOV.UK - Electrical safety guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
3. [3] GOV.UK - First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
4. [4] legislation.gov.uk - Housing Act 1988
5. [5] legislation.gov.uk - Rent Act 1977