What Is a CP12 Certificate? A Landlord's Guide

A CP12 is the short name for the Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR). It’s the yearly check that shows every gas item, pipe, and flue in a rental home is safe. If you let a home with a gas boiler, hob, or fire, you need one every year, full stop. We run this as a simple landlord gas safety check with paperwork usually issued the same day.

Where the name “CP12” comes from

CP12 was the old form number used to log a gas safety check. The paperwork has changed since then. The right term now is Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR), although “CP12” has stuck as the everyday name — you’ll hear both used interchangeably by landlords, agents, and engineers.

What the inspection actually covers

A proper gas safety check includes:

• Every gas appliance in the property (boiler, hob, gas fire) — checked for safe operation
• Gas pipework and fittings — checked for leaks and correct installation
• Flues and ventilation — checked to ensure combustion gases escape safely
• Safety devices and burner pressure — tested to confirm they work correctly

If an item fails, the engineer will explain what it needs to pass. Sometimes it’s a small part. However, sometimes an item needs to be swapped before we can sign off the certificate.

Why it’s a legal requirement, not just good practice

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, every landlord letting a property with gas appliances must:

1. Have every gas appliance and flue checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
2. Keep a record of each check for at least 2 years
3. Give a copy of the current certificate to existing tenants within 28 days of the check
4. Give a copy to new tenants before they move in

Skipping this isn’t just a paperwork slip. It can mean unlimited fines and up to 6 months in prison. Since gas faults can be fatal, the law treats this as serious.

How often it needs renewing

Renew it every 12 months, no exceptions — see our full guide on how often landlords need gas safety checks for the exact timing rules if you want to line it up with a new tenancy or your last check date.

What happens if an appliance fails the check

If an item fails the check, the engineer will grade it. Some faults get fixed on the spot, and some need a part. In the worst cases, a “danger” fault means the gas to that item gets shut off there and then, for safety, until it’s fixed. This is why it pays to book your yearly check well before the old one runs out. If a fault does turn up, you want time to fix it without missing the deadline.

Keeping records properly

Keep your gas safety records for at least 2 years. Be ready to show the current certificate on request — a tenant, an agent, or an inspector may all ask for it. Keep a simple digital copy too, since we always email ours, next to any paper copy. That way you’re never caught out hunting for a document at short notice.

Getting a CP12 in Norwich

We carry out gas safety checks for landlords across Norwich. This covers rental properties in Wymondham, landlords in Dereham, and rentals around Attleborough. In most cases we send the certificate the same day by email. If your current one is due for renewal, or you’re not sure when your last check was, get in touch and we’ll sort it.