If you’re a landlord in London or SE London, there’s one legal requirement you absolutely cannot afford to overlook: the annual gas safety certificate. Also known as a CP12, this certificate proves that all gas appliances in your rental property have been checked by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer and are safe to use.
At DRMB Plumbing & Heating, we carry out landlord gas safety inspections across Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich, Catford, Eltham and the surrounding areas. Here’s everything you need to know about your legal obligations — and what happens if you don’t comply.
What Is a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)?
A CP12 is the official record of a gas safety inspection. During the visit, a Gas Safe registered engineer will check every gas appliance in the property — boilers, gas cookers, gas fires, gas hobs — as well as the pipework, flues and ventilation.
The certificate records:
- The address of the property
- The date of the inspection
- Details of every gas appliance checked
- Whether each appliance passed or failed
- Any defects found and remedial action required
- The engineer’s name and Gas Safe registration number
Think of it like an MOT for your property’s gas system — it confirms everything is safe and legal.
Is a Gas Safety Certificate a Legal Requirement?
Yes — it’s the law. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, every landlord in England, Scotland and Wales must:
- Have all gas appliances, fittings and flues checked every 12 months
- Use a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the inspection
- Give a copy of the gas safety certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the check
- Give a copy to new tenants before they move in
- Keep records of each safety check for at least 2 years
This applies to all rented properties — houses, flats, HMOs, bedsits and even holiday lets.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
Not having a valid gas safety certificate is a criminal offence. The penalties are serious:
- Fines of up to £6,000 per offence (per appliance, per property)
- Up to 6 months in prison in severe cases
- Invalidated landlord insurance — most policies require a valid CP12
- Inability to serve a Section 21 eviction notice — since October 2015, you cannot evict tenants under Section 21 if you don’t have a current gas safety certificate
- Liability for injury or death — if a tenant is harmed by a faulty gas appliance you failed to check, you could face manslaughter charges
It’s simply not worth the risk. An annual gas safety check typically costs between £60–£90 — a tiny price compared to the potential consequences.
What Does the Inspection Cover?
When our engineers carry out a landlord gas safety inspection, we check:
- Gas boiler — burner pressure, flue integrity, safety devices, gas tightness
- Gas cooker/hob — flame picture, stability device, gas tightness
- Gas fire — flue, spillage test, safety shut-off
- Pipework — visible pipework checked for leaks and integrity
- Ventilation — adequate ventilation for each appliance
- Flues and chimneys — checked for blockages and correct termination
If we find a fault, we’ll let you know straight away and advise on the repair. In cases where an appliance is immediately dangerous, we’re legally required to disconnect it and label it as unsafe — this is to protect your tenants.
How Often Do You Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Every 12 months. The certificate is valid for one year from the date of inspection. You can have it done up to 2 months early without losing your renewal date — similar to how car MOTs work — so there’s no excuse for letting it lapse.
Top tip for landlords with multiple properties: Set a reminder in your calendar or ask your gas engineer to put you on an annual recall list. At DRMB, we keep records of all our landlord clients and send reminders when your CP12 is due for renewal — one less thing to worry about.
Do Homeowners Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Homeowners are not legally required to have a CP12, but it’s still strongly recommended. An annual boiler service and gas safety check gives you peace of mind that your appliances are safe and running efficiently. It can also catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.
Book Your Gas Safety Certificate with DRMB
Whether you’ve got one property or a whole portfolio, DRMB Plumbing & Heating makes landlord gas safety inspections easy. We cover all of SE London including Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich, Eltham, Catford, Blackheath, Croydon and beyond.
We offer:
- ✅ Competitive rates for single and multi-property landlords
- ✅ Certificates issued on the day
- ✅ Annual renewal reminders
- ✅ Easy online booking
- ✅ Gas Safe registered engineers (you can verify us here)
📞 Call us: 0208 123 4807
💬 WhatsApp: 07946 444414
🌐 Website: drmb-plumbing.co.uk/gas-safety-certificates
📧 Email: info@drmb-plumbing.co.uk
DRMB Plumbing & Heating — Gas Safe registered, trusted by landlords across SE London.