Gas safety is a critical part of property rental and purchase due diligence in the UK. Whether you’re a tenant or a prospective buyer, checking the validity of a boiler's Gas Safety Certificate—commonly referred to as a CP12—is essential for your safety and legal protection.
Fraser Bond offers a clear guide to help you understand how to verify a certificate and what it means for your rights as a tenant or buyer.
A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is a legal document that confirms a gas appliance—such as a boiler—has been inspected and deemed safe by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It includes:
The property address
A list of gas appliances tested
The results of each check
The engineer’s credentials and signature
The inspection date and expiry
By law, landlords must renew this certificate every 12 months and provide a copy to tenants.
As a tenant, you are legally entitled to a copy of the CP12:
Within 28 days of a gas safety check
Before you move into a property
Without this certificate, the property may be unsafe and the landlord may be in breach of legal obligations.
What to Do:
Ask your landlord or agent for the latest CP12
Check the issue date and engineer details
Verify the engineer's registration at www.gassaferegister.co.uk
If you’re buying a property with a gas boiler, a valid CP12 confirms that the system is safe at the time of inspection. While not a legal requirement for sale, many buyers request it as part of due diligence—especially in investment or buy-to-let purchases.
What to Check:
Ask the seller for the most recent CP12 certificate
Confirm the boiler and appliances listed match what's in the property
Review the date and ensure it’s within the past 12 months
Verify the engineer’s credentials using the Gas Safe Register
No certificate available: Indicates non-compliance or lack of maintenance
Expired certificate: Suggests the boiler hasn’t been serviced recently
Unregistered engineer: Invalidates the certificate entirely
Fraser Bond offers specialist services to assist both tenants and property investors:
CP12 verification before move-in or property completion
Guidance on tenant rights and landlord obligations
Access to trusted Gas Safe engineers for new inspections
Full due diligence support for investors buying rental properties
Whether you’re renting or buying, a verified boiler Gas Safety Certificate is vital for legal compliance and peace of mind. Never accept verbal assurances—insist on documented proof and verify its validity using the official register.
To learn more or request assistance with gas safety documentation, visit Fraser Bond.
