When renting out a property in the UK, you have several legal duties to fulfil, but one of the most crucial is arranging a gas safety check and certificate. This isn’t just another tick-box task; it’s about keeping people safe. A faulty gas appliance can lead to serious problems, from gas leaks to carbon monoxide poisoning.
At HMO Horizon, we work closely with landlords to help them meet legal requirements without stress. Whether you have a single flat or manage a large HMO, we ensure your property stays safe and compliant by arranging your safety check and certificate on time.
Understanding What It Involves
A gas safety check and certificate is a legal document that confirms all gas appliances in your property are safe to use. The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
They’ll inspect things like the boiler, cooker, and any other gas-powered equipment. After the inspection, you’ll receive a safety check and certificate (commonly called a CP12), which records.
Which appliances were tested?
- If they are safe and working correctly
- Any faults found and how to fix them
- The engineer’s details and registration number
When you book through HMO Horizon, we handle the booking, carry out the inspection, and provide your gas safety check and certificate without hassle.
Who Needs One?
The law says that a gas safety check and certificate must be renewed every year. You can’t leave it any longer than 12 months between inspections.
You also need to:
- Keep each certificate for two years
- Give your current tenants a copy within 28 days
- Give new tenants a copy before they move in
We keep this process simple at HMO Horizon, sending you reminders and scheduling safety checks and certificate checks well in advance.
What will the engineer Look At?
A registered Gas Safe engineer will carry out the following during the gas safety check and certificate process:
- Test the operation of gas appliances
- Check gas pressure and tightness
- Inspect ventilation and flues
- Ensure flame patterns are safe
- Look for signs of carbon monoxide leaks
If everything passes, you’ll get your gas safety check and certificate straight away. If there’s a problem, the engineer will explain what needs to be fixed. We at HMO Horizon can also help you arrange repairs quickly.
Risks of Skipping the Check
Failing to get a gas safety check and certificate can lead to serious consequences. Penalties include:
- Fines of up to £6,000 per breach
- Possible imprisonment
- Tenant injury claims
- Voided insurance cover
- Being banned from letting
It’s not worth the risk. An annual safety check and certificate is straightforward and affordable, especially when you let HMO Horizon manage it for you.
Tenants Have the Right to Know
It’s also part of your duty to share the gas safety check and certificate with your tenants. This builds trust and proves you’re acting responsibly.
Here’s what’s required:
- Give a copy to new tenants before they move in
- Provide it to current tenants within 28 days of each annual check
- In HMOs, place a copy in a shared space, like the hallway
We help landlords with this step by supplying both printed and digital versions of the safety check and certificate for easy distribution.
Why Work with HMO Horizon?
We’re not just ticking boxes, we help landlords look after their properties properly. At HMO Horizon, our focus is safety, compliance, and simple service.
Here’s what makes us different:
- We only work with Gas Safe engineers
- We cover the whole UK, with a focus on HMO support
- We offer full management, from reminders to final reports
- Our fees are clear, fair, and competitive
- We help with follow-up services if something fails
Whether you’re experienced or just starting out as a landlord, we’ll guide you every step of the gas safety check and certificate process.
Before the Inspection: A Quick Checklist
Want to make the inspection go smoothly? Here are a few simple tips:
- Let your tenants know the engineer is coming
- Make sure the engineer can get into the property
- Clear access to all gas appliances
- Provide keys or codes if needed
- Ensure areas around boilers or cookers aren’t blocked
This visit is faster and avoids delays in issuing your gas safety check and certificate.
It Doesn’t Stop There
Annual checks are important, but there’s more you can do. Encourage tenants to report things like:
- A gas smell
- Sooty marks on appliances
- Unusual pilot light colours
- Headaches or feeling dizzy
At HMO Horizon, we offer ongoing advice to help keep your property safe between safety checks and certificate inspections.
Getting a gas safety check and certificate might feel like just another job on your list. But it’s one of the most important. You’re protecting your tenants, your property, and yourself. With HMO Horizon, the process is handled from start to finish. No chasing engineers, no missed dates, and no gaps in your paperwork.
If you’re due for an inspection or just want peace of mind, get in touch today. Let us help you stay safe, legal, and ready for anything.