What is the 12-month gas safety rule?
Landlords must ensure gas appliances, flues and relevant pipework are checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. There is no “grace period” that makes an overdue certificate acceptable.
Book the engineer before the anniversary. If your last check was 14 March, aim to complete the next check before 14 March the following year — not weeks later when you happen to remember.
When must tenants receive the gas safety record?
Existing tenants should receive a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the check. New tenants should receive a copy before they move in. Keep your own copy for at least two years.
If you use agents, confirm who books the check and who issues the tenant copy. Ambiguity between landlord and agent is a common reason certificates slip.
Frequently asked questions
Is gas safety every 12 months or every calendar year?
It is at least every 12 months from the date of the check — not “sometime this year”. Track the exact anniversary date.
Who can carry out the check?
A Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask for their Gas Safe ID and keep it with the certificate.