Gas Safety Certificates for Renters in Wales: What You Need to Know

If you’re renting a home in Wales, knowing about gas safety certificates is vital for your health and peace of mind. A gas safety certificate is a legal document that confirms any gas appliances, flues, or pipework in your rental are safe, and regular inspection is a legal requirement for all landlords in Wales.

What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?

In Wales, a gas safety certificate (sometimes called a Gas Safety Record or CP12) proves that a registered Gas Safe engineer has inspected and approved the gas appliances, flues and pipework in your home. It’s an important part of your landlord’s duty to keep your home safe under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.^1,2

Why Is a Gas Safety Certificate Needed?

• Protects you and your family from gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire risks.
• Ensures landlords carry out annual maintenance checks by an approved professional.
• Offers legal proof of safety standards in your rental property.

What Are the Landlord’s Legal Duties?

By law, your landlord must:

• Arrange a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months.
• Give you a copy of the latest gas safety certificate within 28 days of the check, or before you move in if you’re a new tenant.
• Keep a record of gas safety checks for two years.

What Should Renters Do?

• If you haven’t received a copy of the current certificate, ask your landlord or letting agent for it.
• Check that the certificate is less than 12 months old and completed by a Gas Safe engineer (look for their ID number).
• If you’re concerned about gas safety or don’t receive a certificate, you can contact Rent Smart Wales or your local authority for support.

Relevant Official Forms and Actions

• Gas Safety Certificate (Landlord Gas Safety Record, Form CP12)
  • When used: Completed every 12 months by a qualified engineer after checking gas appliances.
  • How it’s used: Your landlord or agent should provide you with a signed copy after inspection. For example, if you move into a new property, your landlord must give you the current certificate before you move in.
  • Official information: Gas Safe Register – Renter Gas Safety
• Reporting Gas Safety Concerns
  • When used: If your landlord won’t provide a certificate or you suspect unsafe conditions, you can contact your local council’s environmental health team or Rent Smart Wales.
  • Action steps: Collect evidence (e.g., emails asking for the certificate), and report to authorities if unresolved.

What Happens If a Landlord Fails to Provide a Gas Safety Certificate?

Failure to provide a valid certificate is a criminal offence. Tenants can contact:

• The local authority (environmental health) for enforcement.
• Rent Smart Wales for registration and compliance issues.

The main tribunal dealing with residential tenancy disputes in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

If you ever smell gas or suspect a leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

FAQ

1. Do I need to ask my landlord for a gas safety certificate every year?
   Landlords are required by law to give you an up-to-date gas safety certificate automatically each year, without you needing to request it.
2. What should I do if I have not received a gas safety certificate?
   Contact your landlord or letting agent. If you still don’t receive it, contact your local council or Rent Smart Wales for help.
3. Does the certificate need to be displayed in the property?
   No, but you must be given a copy. However, some landlords also display it near gas appliances for convenience.
4. Are all rented properties in Wales covered by the gas safety law?
   Any rental property with gas appliances or pipework is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
5. Can I refuse entry for a gas safety check?
   You should allow access for safety inspections, but your landlord should give reasonable notice and work with you to arrange a suitable time.

Key Takeaways

• Your landlord must provide a valid gas safety certificate every year.
• You can request support from authorities if certificates aren’t provided.
• Gas safety laws protect you—act quickly if you notice problems or don’t receive documentation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rent Smart Wales – official information, tenant advice, and enforcement
• Gas Safe Register – check engineer registration and learn about gas safety
• Welsh Government Housing: Renting – official guidance on living in rented homes in Wales
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – disputes, enforcement, and appeals
• Your local council’s environmental health team – for urgent safety enforcement

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1. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

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