Gas safety certificate: landlord rules and deadlines
Last updated 24 Oct 2026
Landlords in England must have every gas appliance and flue they provide checked at least every 12 months, and give each tenant a copy of the record within 28 days of the check. New tenants must get the latest record before they move in. This page covers England only.
The rules
- Gas equipment you provide must be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and each appliance and flue needs a yearly safety check by one.
- You must keep the relevant gas fittings and flues in a safe condition. This is regulation 36(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
- The check must happen within 12 months of installation, then at intervals of no more than 12 months since the last check (regulation 36(3)).
Deadlines
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Safety check of each appliance and flue | At intervals of no more than 12 months | Reg 36(3) |
| Copy of the record to an existing tenant | Within 28 days of the check | Reg 36(6) |
| Copy of the latest record to a new tenant | Before they move in | Reg 36(6) |
For a stay of 28 days or less, the regulation allows the record to be displayed prominently in the premises instead of handed over.
What the record must contain
Regulation 36(3)(c) lists the contents. Each record must show:
- the date of the check and the address of the premises;
- the landlord's name and address;
- a description of each appliance or flue checked and where it is;
- any safety defects found and any remedial action taken;
- the name and signature of the person who did the check, and their registration number.
How long to keep records
Under regulation 36(3)(c), you keep each record until two further checks have been made. If the appliance or flue has been removed, you keep it for two years after the last check.
Who can do the check
Gov.uk tells landlords to use a Gas Safe registered engineer. The regulation itself says the work must be done by a person in a class approved by the Health and Safety Executive. Ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe registration number, which the record must carry.
Track the date with Letbook
A gas safety check recurs every year and the 28-day copy deadline starts the day it is done. Letbook is a compliance tracker for landlords: it holds your gas safety certificate date and certificate file per property and emails you before it lapses. Sign up free.
Related guides: EICR rules and what replaced the How to Rent guide.
Sources
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, regulation 36, legislation.gov.uk
- Private renting: your landlord's safety responsibilities, GOV.UK
This page is general information, not legal advice.