Gas Safety Checks: Your Rights as a Tenant in England

Tenants have clear protections in England when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must arrange annual checks on gas appliances and provide a written gas safety record to tenants; you should know how to check the record, what a legitimate certificate looks like, and the practical steps if a check isn’t carried out. This guide explains tenant rights and landlord duties in plain language, shows which official forms and records matter, and describes realistic next steps — from asking for a certificate to contacting your local council or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if needed^[3]. Keep written requests and copies of certificates to support any complaint.

What the law requires

In England the main tenancy laws that apply include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977; these set out broad tenancy rules and overlap with gas safety duties held by landlords^[2]. The specific gas-safety duties come from statutory guidance and regulations requiring annual checks and a written record.

• Arrange an annual gas safety check for every gas appliance and flue within 12 months of the previous check.
• Provide a written gas safety record to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in.
• Use a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out checks; an unqualified person cannot lawfully issue the record.
• Keep gas safety records for at least two years and provide copies on request.

Gas safety checks: what to expect

During a check the engineer will inspect boilers, cookers, flues and pipework, test for leaks and issue a gas safety record if everything is in order. Ask to see the engineer's identity and the Gas Safe ID card before work begins. If the engineer finds a dangerous fault they should advise urgent action and the engineer may make the appliance safe immediately.

If your landlord won't arrange a check

If your landlord fails to arrange an annual check, take these practical steps.

• Ask the landlord in writing for a copy of the gas safety record and keep a dated copy of your request.
• Contact your local council's environmental health team if you believe there is a hazard or an immediate risk.
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for orders if the landlord does not comply after reasonable notice^[3].

Forms and official steps

The main official document tenants will see is the gas safety record, sometimes called a CP12. Example: if your boiler is serviced on 10 March the engineer issues a gas safety record showing the checks and their name; ask the landlord for that document within 28 days and keep it with your tenancy paperwork^[1].

If informal requests fail, you can report hazards to your local council and, where appropriate, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a remedy or order. The tribunal can require the landlord to carry out repairs, provide records or make repayments depending on the case facts.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must arrange annual gas checks and supply a written record to tenants.
• Always keep copies of certificates, correspondence and receipts.
• Contact your local council or the First-tier Tribunal if the landlord does not act.

FAQ

How often must a landlord arrange a gas safety check?

A landlord must arrange a gas safety check at least once every 12 months and provide a written record to tenants.

Can my landlord enter to carry out the check?

A landlord must give you reasonable notice before entry to carry out a gas safety check. If access is refused, explain and offer reasonable times; if the landlord still does not arrange a check, follow the escalation steps above.

What if my landlord does not give me a copy of the gas safety record?

Ask for the record in writing, contact environmental health at your local council if there is a risk, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order.

How-To

1. Check your tenancy paperwork and any existing gas safety records you already hold.
2. Write to your landlord asking for the gas safety record and keep a dated copy of the letter or email.
3. Allow reasonable access for a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the check.
4. Keep the issued gas safety record with your tenancy documents and take photos of the certificate.
5. If the landlord does not respond, contact your local council and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Help and Support / Resources

• GOV.UK: Gas safety checks and landlord responsibilities
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance
• Find your local council

1. [1] GOV.UK: Gas safety checks and landlord responsibilities
2. [2] Housing Act 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance