At a glance
- How often
- Every 12 months
- Copy to tenants
- Within 28 days
- New tenants
- Before they move in
- Keep records
- At least 2 years
Landlord gas safety certificate St Helens landlords can rely on
If you let a property with gas appliances, the law says it needs a gas safety check every year. We carry out landlord gas safety certificate checks, often called a CP12, across St Helens and the whole borough, from Thatto Heath and Parr to Eccleston, Haydock and Rainhill. Matthew Birchall does every check himself. He is Gas Safe registered, number 653634, and you can check that on the Gas Safe Register website.
We work with private landlords, letting agents and HMO owners. You get a clear, written record of the check, and Matthew will tell you straight away if anything needs attention.
Your legal duties as a landlord
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 set out what landlords must do. In short:
- Have every gas appliance, flue and the pipework you provide checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Give a copy of the gas safety record to existing tenants within 28 days of the check.
- Give a copy to new tenants before they move in.
- Keep records for 2 years.
- Keep gas appliances and flues maintained in a safe condition between checks.
Appliances that belong to the tenant, such as their own cooker, are not covered by your check, but the pipework and any flue serving them still are. A gas safety check is a legal minimum, not a substitute for proper maintenance.
| Duty | When |
|---|---|
| Gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer | Every 12 months |
| Give the record to current tenants | Within 28 days of the check |
| Give the record to new tenants | Before they move in |
| Keep the records | At least 2 years |
| Carbon monoxide alarm | In any room with a fixed combustion appliance (not gas cookers) |
What's checked during a gas safety check
Matthew checks every gas appliance you provide, which usually means the boiler, the gas cooker or hob, and any gas fire. For each one he checks:
- Gas tightness: the whole installation is tested to make sure there are no leaks.
- Flues and chimneys: that fumes are being carried safely outside, with flue flow and spillage tests where needed.
- Ventilation: that each appliance has the air supply it needs to burn safely.
- Pressures and burn: the gas pressure or heat input, and that the flame burns correctly.
- Safety devices: that flame failure and other safety devices work as they should.
- Siting and condition: that each appliance is fitted correctly and in a safe state.
The results go on the gas safety record, along with the property address, the appliances checked and Matthew's details.
What happens if something fails
Engineers follow the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure. If an appliance is unsafe, it is classed in one of two ways:
- Immediately Dangerous (ID): the appliance is a danger to life or property right now. With your permission, Matthew will disconnect it and attach a warning label. It must not be used until it is repaired.
- At Risk (AR): one or more faults could become dangerous. With permission, the appliance is turned off and labelled, and the fault needs fixing before it is used again.
Some items may be noted as not meeting current standards, which is advice rather than a fail. Because Matthew is also a heating engineer, most faults can be fixed on the spot or on a follow-up visit. Our boiler repair service covers boiler faults, and our gas cooker and hob fitting service covers cooker connections and replacements. If the boiler is beyond saving, see new boiler installation.
Letting agents and HMOs
Many St Helens landlords hand gas safety to a letting agent. That is fine, but make sure your agreement says who arranges the check, and always ask for a copy of the record for your own files. We are happy to deal with agents directly.
HMOs often have several appliances and shared kitchens, so allow a bit more time. HMO licence conditions usually require you to give the council a copy of the gas safety record each year, so keep it somewhere easy to find.
Booking tips for landlords
A little planning makes the visit quick and stress free:
- Book early. You can have the check done up to two months before the due date without losing your renewal date.
- Tell your tenants. Give proper written notice and agree a time that suits them.
- Make access easy. Ask tenants to clear space around the boiler, meter and cooker.
- Have your last record ready. It helps Matthew see what was checked before.
- Empty properties. If the property is between tenants, we can collect keys from you or your agent.
Combine your gas safety check with a boiler service
A gas safety check and a boiler service are different jobs. The check confirms the appliances are safe. A service cleans and tests the boiler so it keeps working, which helps you avoid emergency breakdowns and unhappy tenants. Booking an annual boiler service at the same visit saves you arranging access twice.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
In England, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require landlords to:
- fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation
- fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or gas fire (gas cookers are excluded)
- repair or replace alarms once told they are faulty
Matthew can advise on where CO alarms should go while he is checking the appliances. Signs of carbon monoxide include headaches, dizziness, nausea, a lazy yellow or orange flame and soot around an appliance. Tenants who smell gas should call 0800 111 999.