Landlord Gas Safety Duties and Your Rights in England

Many renters in England rely on their landlord to keep gas appliances safe. This guide explains your rights as a tenant, what landlords must legally do, and the practical steps to take if you suspect an unsafe appliance. I explain common documents you should receive, how often checks must happen, and the timescales for repairs and inspections in plain language. You will also find clear examples of when to contact your landlord, when to call an emergency gas service, and when to escalate to a regulator or tribunal. Keep a simple record of communications and certificates so you can protect your health and housing rights while living in rented accommodation in England.

Landlord responsibilities under gas safety rules

Landlords must ensure gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe and maintained. Annual safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and a written gas safety record should be produced after each check.^[1] The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 set the technical duties for safe installation and maintenance, and they remain the core legislation for gas safety compliance in England.^[2]

• Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provide tenants with the gas safety record within 28 days of the check.
• Repair or replace unsafe appliances promptly when a check or tenant report shows a fault.
• Keep a copy of every gas safety record and retain records for at least two years.
• Allow reasonable access for inspections and safety checks when you arrange a visit in advance.

Essential official forms and documents

Tenants should expect specific documents from landlords; know what each document is and how to use it so you can act if safety standards slip.

• Gas safety record (commonly called a CP12) — this is the certificate issued after the annual gas safety check; keep a copy and ask your landlord for one if you do not receive it within 28 days of a check or when you move in.^[1]

What to do if you suspect a gas problem

If you suspect a gas leak, carbon monoxide, or a malfunctioning appliance follow clear safety steps and preserve evidence of all reports and replies.

• Call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999 if you smell gas or there is an immediate danger.
• Report the issue in writing to your landlord, include dates and photos where safe to do so, and ask for urgent repair.
• If the landlord does not act, arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer for an independent inspection and keep the invoice and report as evidence.
• If the problem is not fixed, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or ask your local authority to enforce standards; note deadlines and retain all correspondence.

Tenant practical steps and timelines

Use these simple action steps to protect your health and housing security.

• Keep a dated log of when you report problems and the landlord's responses so you can show reasonable timescales were missed.
• Ask for the gas safety record in writing and request a copy within 28 days of a check or on move-in.

FAQ

Who is responsible for arranging gas safety checks?

Your landlord is responsible for arranging annual gas safety checks carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and for providing you with a copy of the gas safety record.

When should I receive the gas safety record?

You should receive a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the check, or when you move in if the check happened earlier.

What can I do if my landlord does not fix a dangerous gas appliance?

If there is immediate danger call 0800 111 999; otherwise report the issue in writing, keep photos and copies of messages, and if unresolved apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or contact your local authority for enforcement.

How-To

1. Call emergency services (0800 111 999) right away if you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide.
2. Contact your landlord in writing, describe the problem, request an urgent inspection, and set a reasonable deadline for action.
3. If the landlord does not act, book a Gas Safe registered engineer, keep the written report and invoices, and share them with your landlord.
4. If the issue remains unresolved, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or ask your local authority to investigate; include all records and the gas safety report.

Help and Support / Resources

• GOV.UK: Gas safety record — what landlords must do
• GOV.UK: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
• Health and Safety Executive: Gas safety

1. [1] GOV.UK: Gas safety record — what landlords must do
2. [2] Legislation.gov.uk: Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
3. [3] GOV.UK: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)