A Gas Safety Certificate—often referred to as a CP12—confirms that gas appliances such as boilers, cookers, and flues have been inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer and are safe to use. While gas safety checks are legally required for rental properties, they are equally vital for homebuyers, particularly when purchasing second-hand homes in the UK.
Neglecting gas safety documentation can significantly impact:
Mortgage and insurance approvals
Property value and personal safety
Future rental compliance and legal liability
Unlike Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), gas safety certificates are not stored in a public database. Access is restricted and typically depends on the cooperation of the property owner or relevant professionals.
Gas safety certificates are generally held by:
The current property owner
Their managing agent or solicitor
The Gas Safe engineer or company who conducted the inspection
⚠️ Important: Gas safety records are considered private compliance documents. They cannot be searched online via government portals, making direct requests during the buying process essential.
During the conveyancing process, your solicitor should formally request:
The most recent CP12 or gas safety record
Details of the Gas Safe registered engineer
Full appliance servicing and maintenance history
If this documentation is not provided voluntarily, ensure it is requested under the TA6 Property Information Form as part of your pre-contract enquiries.
While there is no legal obligation for sellers of owner-occupied homes to provide a Gas Safety Certificate, most are willing to do so to:
Reassure prospective buyers
Demonstrate the condition of appliances
Facilitate a smoother transaction
If Fraser Bond is acting as the instructed estate agent, we can:
Verify gas safety records with the seller
Coordinate inspections prior to exchange
Advise you on risk exposure and compliance readiness
Gas safety should not be overlooked during a home purchase. It directly affects the health and safety of future occupants, influences resale value, and could even delay or prevent mortgage approvals if issues arise during the survey process.
For buyers seeking professional guidance on property compliance and pre-purchase due diligence, Fraser Bond offers comprehensive support—from reviewing gas safety documentation to coordinating trusted Gas Safe inspections. Learn more at FraserBond.com.
