As a tenant or renter in Scotland you have the right to ask to see safety records that show gas and electrical systems are safe. This guide explains which certificates or reports to request, how to ask your landlord in writing, and what steps to take if the documents are not provided or you have safety concerns. It uses plain language so you can act quickly, keep good records and know when to contact the appropriate authority or the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for help.
What certificates you can ask to see
There are two common documents tenants ask to see:
Gas safety record (CP12)
Landlords must make sure gas appliances, flues and fittings are safe and have annual checks carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask for the gas safety record (often called a CP12) which shows the engineer, the date of inspection and any actions taken.[1]
Electrical safety reports (EICR or inspection reports)
Electrical installations should be safe and landlords should keep records of inspections or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a qualified electrician. If an EICR exists, it will list defects and recommended remedial work and the date of the next inspection.[3]
How to ask for certificates and what to include
Send a clear written request to your landlord or managing agent. Save a copy and any delivery proof. Your request should say what you want, why (safety), and give a reasonable deadline for a reply.
- Ask in writing (email or letter) so you have a record of the request.
- Request the specific document name: "gas safety record (CP12)" or "Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)".
- Set a reasonable deadline, for example 14 days, for the landlord to supply a copy.
If the landlord confirms there is no record, ask what checks have been done and when any required work will be completed. If urgent safety defects are reported, request a timescale for repairs in writing and do not use affected appliances in the meantime.
If the landlord will not provide the documents or you have safety concerns
Scotland's tenancy law requires landlords to meet repair and safety duties under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and other health and safety rules. If a landlord refuses to provide records or fails to act on serious defects, you can escalate the matter.
- Keep all correspondence and evidence such as emails, photos and dated notes of phone calls.
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for a remedy if the landlord will not act or provide records.[4]
- For immediate dangers, contact the local authority environmental health department or the emergency services as appropriate.
Key forms and official sources (what they are and when to use them)
- Gas safety record (CP12) — a certificate issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after an annual inspection; request this when you want proof of a gas safety check.[1]
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — a report prepared by a qualified electrician listing defects and recommended repairs; ask for this if you suspect electrical faults.[3]
- First-tier Tribunal application (Housing and Property Chamber) — use the tribunal application process to request enforcement or orders if your landlord fails to comply with safety duties; check the tribunal website for the correct application route and supporting documents.[4]
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 — the main statutory framework for private tenancies in Scotland; it explains landlord repair obligations and tenant protections.[2]
FAQ
- Can I legally request to see my gas and electrical safety certificates?
- Yes. Tenants can ask to see records that demonstrate gas and electrical systems have been checked and are safe; landlords are responsible for keeping and providing these records when requested.[2]
- What if my landlord refuses to provide certificates?
- If a landlord refuses, keep written evidence of the request and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for an order requiring the landlord to provide records or carry out repairs.[4]
- Can a landlord enter my home to carry out safety checks?
- Landlords must give reasonable notice and follow the tenancy agreement and legal rules on entry; in an emergency they may enter without notice to make the property safe.
How-To
- Write a clear request to your landlord naming the document you want and set a reasonable deadline (for example, 14 days).
- Keep copies of the request, any replies, and any certificates you receive in a safe folder.
- If the landlord does not comply, prepare evidence and apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
- If there is immediate danger (gas leak, exposed wiring), contact emergency services and your local authority environmental health department right away.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- Scottish Government: landlords, repairs and safety guidance
