Being a landlord in UK is not just limited to the collection of rent but to ensure that your tenants are secure and that your property is fully maintained to the right standards. Gas safety is one of the areas that you cannot afford to compromise. The regulations, as well as the penalties, have been made more difficult by the year 2026 and this aspect implies that every landlord should not take the gas safety checks lightly.
What would come in a Gas Safety Certificate, and what ought you spend this year on it?
In this guide, we’ll explain everything landlords need to know from your legal duties to the average cost and how to find a trustworthy Gas Safe registered engineer. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?
Gas Safety certificate, CP12 Certificate or a Landlord Gas Safety record (LGSR) is a document that has been examined as a confirmation that all the gas appliances, flues and pipework in a rented house are safe and in line with all the existing regulations of the UK.
A Gas Safe registered engineer has to carry out the gas check. When fully done, you would be provided with a certificate that the property is safe. This check is required by law to be carried out after every 12 months and a copy sent to your tenants within 28 days.
It is not a matter of complying but saving lives. Gas appliances tend to malfunction and leak or release carbon monoxide poison that is fatal. Learn more on our Gas Safety Certificate service page.
Why Is a Gas Safety Certificate Important in 2026?
Gas safety regulation remains strictly enforced at present in the form of gas safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998. All residential properties should have a valid Gas Safety Certificate annually and it is the duty of every landlord to make sure that they carry out this. Violation of this law may be extremely severe:
- Fines of up to £6,000 per property
- Prison sentences will be imposed in case of serious violations.
- Denial of insurance claims in case of a gas-related incident.
- Gas leakage or explosion risk that can cause injury or death.
Beyond legal penalties, neglecting gas safety puts tenants’ lives at risk. The leakage of small amounts of gases can result in significant damage or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular inspections of tenants will ensure that they are safe, also safeguard your reputation as a responsible landlord. Go to our Knowledge Hub for a current news feed on the latest laws and compliance requirements for landlords.
How Much Does a Gas Certificate Cost in 2026?
The cost of a Gas Safety Certificate in 2026 typically ranges between £60 and £120, depending on several factors.
Here’s what can affect the final cost:
- Number of appliances: More appliances mean longer inspections.
- Type of appliances: Boilers, gas fires, and cookers all take different testing times.
- Property size: Larger homes often involve more checks.
- Location: Prices in London and the Southeast may be slightly higher.
Pro Tip: You can often save money by combining services. Many landlords book a boiler service or EICR (Electrical Safety Certificate) inspection at the same time. Bundled packages reduce costs and save time. Check out our bundle offers here.
What to Look for When Choosing a Gas Engineer in London
In the context of gas safety, it is very important to select the engineer. Low prices may also imply corner cutting or incompetent individuals which may invalidate your certificate. The things to check before hiring include:
- Gas Safe registration: You should also make sure that your Gas engineer has registered on the official Gas Safe Register always.
- Reviews and experience: See customer reviews or testimonials.
- Clear price: Do not pay in the dark; demand a quote on an upfront basis.
- Detailed report: A proper certificate lists each appliance tested and notes any issues found.
At Efficient Home Energy, we only work with Gas Safe registered engineers. Our team provides clear, upfront pricing and same-day appointments across London. Book your Gas Safety Certificate with confidence, with trusted engineers, fair prices, and fast service.
How Long Does a Gas Safety Check Take?
A gas safety test usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. It depends on how many appliances need checking. The inspection will be time taking for old and big properties.
The engineer will:
- Check each appliance for gas leaks and pressure levels.
- Inspect ventilation and flue flow.
- Test safety devices and controls.
- Record all findings in your Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
In case a problem is identified, the engineer may categorize the problem based on safety codes (e.g. At risk or Immediately dangerous) and recommend on the course of action before issuing the certificate.
FAQs
Question 1. Should I have a Gas Safety Certificate on an annual basis?
Answer: Yes! Gas Safety Certificate should be renewed by the landlords after every 12 months to be legally compliant.
Question 2. Can I do the check myself?
Answer: No. This check can be undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is unlawful to perform the check personally or get a person who is not qualified to do it and invalidates your certificate.
Question 3. What happens if I don’t provide the certificate to tenants?
Answer: Providing an out-of-date certificate may lead to huge fines and in case of an accident, legal proceedings or imprisonment.
Question 4. Are the boiler and cooker included in the certificate?
Answer: Yes. All of the gas appliances: boilers or cookers, fires and flues will be included in the inspection.
Question 5. Can I combine it with a boiler service?
Answer: Absolutely! It saves you a lot of time and money and everything runs safely and efficiently.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
A lot of landlords do not realize risks of not doing annual gas checks. Other than fines and penalties, not ensuring that gas safety is maintained can:
- Void your landlord insurance.
- Put tenants’ health and safety at risk.
- Damage your reputation and rental business.
In comparison, it is not much to pay to have peace of mind and be legally safe which is about £60-120/year.
Keep Your Property Safe and Compliant in 2026
We simplify compliance at Efficient Home Energy. Our Gas safe engineers serve all London postcodes and they are also professional, quick and cheap. You have one flat or multiple properties, we will cover you.
Book your Gas Safety Certificate today for fast, reliable service across London. To landlords or property managers with multiple properties, ask about our bulk inspection packages to make your portfolios stress-free.