Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Explained
What's checked, how often you need one, fines for non-compliance, and what to expect when we visit a tenanted property in Chorley or Preston.
If you let property in England, a Landlord Gas Safety Record (commonly called a CP12) is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. Failure to provide one carries unlimited fines and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution. Here's what's actually involved, what it costs, and how to stay on the right side of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
What is a CP12?
The 'CP12' name comes from the original CORGI form number — the official document is now called a Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR). It's a certificate confirming that every gas appliance, flue and associated pipework in the property has been inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer and is safe to use.
How often is it required?
Every 12 months from the date of the previous inspection. Since 2018 you've been allowed to renew up to 2 months before expiry without losing the original anniversary date — so you can book early and the next renewal still falls on the same month.
What gets checked
Boiler: gas tightness, burner pressure or gas rate, flue flow and spillage test, safety devices (flame failure, overheat), case seals and condition. Gas hob/oven: gas tightness, flame picture, flame supervision device on each burner. Gas fire: same checks plus chimney/flue integrity. All exposed gas pipework: visible condition, support, isolation valves. The engineer also performs a tightness test on the whole installation at the meter.
Tenant access — what if they won't let you in?
You must be able to demonstrate you've taken 'all reasonable steps' to gain access. In practice that means: written notice (text message counts), at least two recorded attempts at appointments, and a final letter explaining the legal position. Keep copies of everything. Courts have consistently ruled in landlords' favour where they can show a proper paper trail.
Cost in Chorley & Lancashire
A standard one-boiler CP12 is from £90 in our area. Add £15–£20 per additional appliance (hob, gas fire). We offer landlord discounts for portfolios of 5+ properties and can scheduled-batch them to keep all anniversaries aligned.
What if something fails?
The engineer will classify the appliance as 'Immediately Dangerous', 'At Risk' or 'Not to Current Standards'. ID and AR appliances must be disconnected (with your tenant's permission) and you'll receive a Warning/Advice Notice. The certificate cannot be issued until the issue is rectified — but most failures (e.g. a missing flame supervision device on a hob) are quick fixes.
Penalties for non-compliance
The HSE can issue improvement and prohibition notices, unlimited fines on conviction, and in cases involving carbon-monoxide injury or death, individual landlords can face manslaughter charges. Insurance policies will also typically refuse to pay out if a valid CP12 wasn't in place at the time of an incident.
We provide CP12 inspections across Chorley, Preston, Leyland and the surrounding areas — usually within 48 hours of booking. Multi-property landlords get priority scheduling and discounted rates. Call 01257 781481 or send a message to book.