Landlord Gas Safety Certificates: What Welsh Renters Need to Know

If you rent a property in Wales, you have the right to live in a safe home. One area that’s especially important is gas safety. Renting from a private landlord or letting agent means they must meet strict legal responsibilities, including providing valid gas safety certificates. Here’s what every renter in Wales should know about gas safety checks, your rights, and what to do if you haven’t received a certificate.

What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate (also known as a CP12 form) proves that all gas appliances, flues, and pipework in a rented property have been inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The certificate lists any problems found, the engineer’s details, and when the next check is due.

Are Landlords in Wales Required to Provide a Gas Safety Certificate?

Yes — by law, all landlords in Wales must arrange an annual gas safety check and provide tenants with a copy of the latest Gas Safety Certificate. This requirement applies to all rented homes with gas appliances, whether your tenancy is new or ongoing. This duty is set out in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and supported by the main Welsh tenancy law, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹.

Your landlord must:

• Book a qualified Gas Safe engineer to inspect every gas appliance once a year
• Give you a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the check, or before you move in
• Fix any safety issues quickly

If you haven’t received a certificate, or if it’s out of date, your landlord is breaking the law and putting your safety at risk.

What Is a Gas Safe Engineer?

A Gas Safe engineer is a professional listed on the official Gas Safe Register. Only these engineers can legally carry out gas safety checks and provide certificates. You can check if your engineer is registered at the official Gas Safe Register website.

What Should You Do If You Haven’t Received a Certificate?

If you haven’t been given a valid Gas Safety Certificate:

• Ask your landlord or letting agent for a copy in writing
• If they don’t respond, remind them that it’s a legal requirement under Welsh law
• If you still don’t receive a certificate, you can contact your local council’s environmental health team, who can investigate and take enforcement action

Reporting to the Council

Local councils in Wales have the power to take action against landlords who fail to carry out gas safety checks or provide certificates. You can report issues directly to your local council. Councils can issue improvement notices or prosecution where necessary.

Relevant Forms and Practical Steps

• Gas Safety Record/Certificate (CP12)
  When used: Provided by the Gas Safe engineer after every annual inspection. Your landlord must give you a copy within 28 days or before you move in.
  Where to get it: Your landlord should provide it to you. You can learn about the requirements via the Government's guidance on landlord gas safety certificates.
• Environmental Health Complaint
  When used: If your landlord doesn’t provide a certificate after being asked, you can contact the council to file a complaint. There is no universal national form, but contact your local Welsh council via the Find your local council service. The council may ask you to submit information in writing or via an online portal.

Punishments and Penalties for Landlords

Landlords who fail to arrange regular gas safety checks or provide a certificate can face:

• Fines of up to £6,000 per breach
• Prosecution and a criminal record
• Possible banning from renting out property
• Enforcement notices from the council or the Health and Safety Executive

This ensures robust protection for tenants’ health and safety.

Who Oversees Tenancy Disputes and Enforcement in Wales?

The main tribunal for Welsh residential tenancy issues is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This body handles property disputes, including those relating to repairs, health, and safety. However, gas safety issues are often dealt with first by your local council or the Health and Safety Executive.

FAQ: Gas Safety Certificates in Wales

1. Can my landlord enter to do the gas safety check without my permission?
   Landlords should give you at least 24 hours’ written notice and arrange a reasonable time for access. But, gas safety checks are a legal requirement, so they must make every effort to carry them out.
2. What if my landlord refuses or ignores my request for a Gas Safety Certificate?
   You should contact your local council’s environmental health team to report the landlord. The council can take enforcement action. If you ever feel unsafe, call the Gas Emergency helpline.
3. Do gas safety responsibilities apply to all rented properties in Wales?
   Yes — all private and social landlords must comply with annual checks unless the property has no gas appliances or supply.
4. Should I see certificates for every gas appliance?
   The Gas Safety Certificate must cover all gas appliances supplied by the landlord. Appliances owned by tenants are not covered by the landlord’s checks.
5. Can I withhold rent if my landlord hasn’t provided a certificate?
   Generally, you should not withhold rent as this could put you at risk of eviction. Instead, report the issue to the council for investigation and enforcement.

Key Takeaways for Welsh Renters

• Your landlord must supply a valid Gas Safety Certificate every year
• If you don’t receive a certificate, and reminders fail, contact your local council’s environmental health team
• All gas safety checks must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer

Staying informed helps keep your rented home safe and ensures your rights are respected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Official Government Guide: Gas Safety Certificates
• Gas Safe Register Advice for Renters
• National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
• Find Your Local Council Environmental Health Team
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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

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