For tenants

The gas safety check · what tenants need to know

If an engineer is coming to check the gas in your home, here's exactly what happens, what you're entitled to, and what to do if your landlord hasn't arranged a check. This page is for information — tenants don't book gas engineers, landlords do.

Your rights on the annual gas check

Your landlord has a legal duty under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to inspect every gas appliance in your home once a year, and to give you a copy of the resulting CP12 Landlord Gas Safety Record. Specifically:

What to expect when I arrive

You'll get a text 30 minutes before I arrive. I'll show my Gas Safe ID card on the doorstep — you can check the number (585424) on the Gas Safe Register if you want. The inspection typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many appliances are in the property. Before leaving your property, I'll explain what was checked and any issues found. If I find anything Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR), I'll show you what it is and what I've documented on the certificate.

FAQ

Tenant questions

Do I have to let the gas engineer in?

If your landlord has given you 24 hours' written notice, they have a legal right to enter for the inspection · and a legal duty to carry it out. You have a right to "quiet enjoyment" but that doesn't override the safety check. If the timing genuinely doesn't work, reply in writing and propose an alternative slot within a reasonable window. Blocking access repeatedly can cause problems · including for your own safety.

When should I get my CP12?

Before you move into a new rental, or within 28 days of the inspection if it happens during your tenancy. Legally it's your landlord's responsibility to give it to you, not yours to chase · but if 28 days pass, ask in writing. Authoritative source: HSE landlord gas safety guidance.

What if my landlord hasn't done a gas check?

Start with a written message to your landlord or letting agent asking for the date of the last and next inspection. If you get no response, escalate to your local council's Environmental Health team · they have the power to issue improvement notices. Shelter's legal advice is the best free source of further guidance. This page is not legal advice.

Can the engineer cut off my gas?

Only a specific appliance · and only if it's Immediately Dangerous (ID). I won't do it without explaining what's wrong, and I'll coordinate a repair with your landlord straight after. If the gas meter itself is faulty, that's a separate emergency call for the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.

Think you haven't had a gas check? Here's what to do.

Three steps, in order:

  1. Ask your landlord or letting agent in writing — a text or email is fine. Ask for the date of the last gas safety inspection and the next scheduled one.
  2. If no reply within 14 days, escalate to your local council's Environmental Health team. They can issue an improvement notice to your landlord.
  3. For free legal advice, see Shelter's housing help pages or call their helpline.

If you smell gas in your home right now, call the National Gas Emergency line: 0800 111 999.