Gas safety checks protect tenants from carbon monoxide and unsafe appliances. This guide explains what renters and tenants in Scotland should expect when a landlord arranges gas maintenance, including how often checks typically happen, what a gas safety record contains, and your rights if a landlord will not arrange a check or refuses access. It covers who may carry out inspections, how to request written proof, how to report unsafe appliances, and practical steps to protect your safety while keeping communication records. If you have mobility or access concerns, the text explains reasonable notice and how to ask for reasonable adjustments. The information points you to official forms and the tribunal that handles disputes in Scotland.
Your landlord's legal duties
Landlords in Scotland must provide and maintain rental properties to meet legal standards under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016[2]. That includes ensuring gas appliances, pipework and flues are safe and properly maintained, arranging appropriate safety checks, and supplying tenants with written evidence of checks when requested.
Gas safety checks, certificates and frequency
Most gas appliances in rented homes should be checked regularly by a competent engineer and a written gas safety record should be provided to tenants. In practice many landlords arrange annual checks and keep a gas safety record (often called a CP12 or gas safety certificate) after each inspection. You can ask your landlord to show you the record if they have one.[1]
- Arrange a gas safety check within 12 months of the previous check or as advised by the engineer.
- Ask for a written gas safety record (CP12) showing what was inspected and any remedial work.
- Allow reasonable access for an inspection after proper notice; landlords must give reasonable notice of visits.
- Keep copies of certificates, receipts for repairs, and photos of any hazards as evidence.
Who can carry out checks?
Checks should be done by a competent engineer. In the UK that generally means a Gas Safe registered engineer, who issues the written record after inspection. If you think an appliance is unsafe, stop using it, ventilate the room, and report it to your landlord immediately.
Official forms tenants may need
- Gas safety record (CP12) — form number: CP12. Used when a Gas Safe engineer completes a safety check and records the result. Practical example: after an annual check the engineer gives a CP12 showing the boiler flue is clear; keep this with your tenancy papers. Official guidance is available from GOV.UK and explains what records to expect.[1]
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) — form name: tribunal application form (see the tribunal website for the correct application pack). Use this when a landlord refuses to carry out necessary safety work or to provide required documentation; for example, you can apply if serious hazards remain after asking your landlord to act. The tribunal site has application instructions and forms.[3]
What to do if your landlord won't arrange a check or access
Start by asking your landlord in writing for the check and for a copy of the gas safety record. Keep dated copies of messages and any replies. If the landlord refuses or ignores the request, warn them in writing that you will seek help from official bodies if the risk is not addressed.
- Contact your landlord or property manager and request the check and copy of the record in writing, keeping a copy of your message.
- Document the problem with photos, dates and descriptions of symptoms (e.g., soot, pilot light issues, smells).
- If the landlord still does not act, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for an order to require repairs or compliance.
- For immediate danger, leave the property if necessary and call the emergency services or the gas emergency number for your area.
FAQ
- Do landlords have to carry out gas safety checks in Scotland?
- Yes. Landlords must ensure gas appliances are safe and properly maintained and should be able to provide written evidence of checks on request.
- How often should gas appliances be checked?
- Many landlords arrange annual checks, but frequency can depend on the appliance and engineer advice; keep records of inspection dates.
- What can I do if my landlord refuses to provide a gas safety record?
- Ask in writing, keep evidence, and if there is no satisfactory response you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) or seek emergency assistance if there is immediate danger.
How-To
- Write to your landlord requesting a gas safety check and a copy of the gas safety record; keep a dated copy.
- Document the issue with photos and notes about symptoms, and keep any engineer reports or receipts.
- If the landlord does not act, download and complete the tribunal application pack and submit it with your evidence to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber).
- For immediate hazards, call the emergency services or your regional gas emergency number and vacate the property if advised.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must ensure gas appliances are safe and provide written records when requested.
- Keep copies of gas safety records, communications and photos to support any complaint or tribunal application.
- If a landlord refuses to act, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for an order.
Help and Support / Resources
- GOV.UK - Gas safety records and guidance
- legislation.gov.uk - Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
