Gas Safety Certificate Access for Landlords and Tenants

A Legal Responsibility and Rights Guide by Fraser Bond

Whether you're a landlord managing multiple properties or a tenant moving into a new home, access to the gas safety certificate (CP12) is essential for both legal compliance and safety. The law is clear about who must provide, store, and receive this documentation.

Fraser Bond breaks down the rules and processes that govern CP12 access in the UK.

What Is a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate?

A CP12 is a document that confirms a Gas Safe registered engineer has inspected all gas appliances and pipework in a property and deemed them safe. It’s a legal requirement for landlords and must be renewed every 12 months.

The certificate includes:

• Property address

• Date of inspection

• Details of each appliance tested

• Results of safety checks

• Engineer's Gas Safe registration number

Who Needs Access to the CP12?

1. Landlords

By law, landlords are responsible for:

• Arranging annual gas safety checks

• Storing copies of CP12 certificates for at least 2 years

• Providing a copy to tenants within 28 days of inspection

• Issuing a certificate to new tenants before move-in

• Keeping a record in case of inspection by the local authority or letting agent

2. Tenants

Tenants have a legal right to:

• View and receive the current CP12

• Request a copy if one is not provided

• Confirm the certificate’s validity by checking the engineer’s licence at www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Tenants should ensure the certificate is dated within the past 12 months and includes all appliances present in the property.

3. Letting Agents and Property Managers

If acting on behalf of a landlord, letting agents like Fraser Bond must:

• Keep and distribute the certificate to tenants

• Coordinate annual renewals

• Ensure only Gas Safe engineers are contracted for inspections

• Handle record-keeping and access for compliance purposes

How to Access a CP12

For Landlords:

• Digital PDF from your engineer: Most Gas Safe engineers now issue CP12 certificates via email.

• Through your property manager: Fraser Bond stores CP12s securely and makes them available via landlord portals.

• Request a copy: If you've lost your certificate, contact the engineer who conducted the inspection.

For Tenants:

• Ask your landlord or letting agent: You’re legally entitled to a copy.

• Confirm engineer credentials: Check the Gas Safe Register using the engineer’s licence number from the certificate.

• Report non-compliance: If you’re refused access or suspect the certificate is invalid, contact your local authority or housing team.

Fraser Bond’s CP12 Access and Compliance Support

Fraser Bond simplifies compliance and access with:

• Timely inspections from certified Gas Safe engineers

• Digital storage and retrieval of CP12 certificates

• Auto-reminders before expiration dates

• Delivery of certificates to tenants in accordance with the law

Conclusion

Proper access to the gas safety certificate is a non-negotiable part of UK property law. Landlords must provide it, and tenants must receive it. With Fraser Bond’s professional compliance systems, everyone involved stays safe, informed, and legally protected.

Need help with your CP12 management? Contact Fraser Bond today.