THE SHORT ANSWER
THE PAPERWORK
The check itself is straightforward. Most of the trouble landlords get into is about dates and copies rather than about gas.
All of them are on you
Every 12 months
From the date of the last check, not the tenancy
28 days
To give an existing tenant their copy
Before move-in
A new tenant gets theirs before they take the keys
2 years
How long you keep the records yourself
No grace period
The twelve months is the twelve months
Your duty, not theirs
A tenant refusing access does not transfer it
Per appliance, not per property
Every gas appliance
Boiler, fire, hob, oven, each listed separately
Location and type
So it is clear what was actually inspected
Operating pressure
Checked against the manufacturer figure
Safety device checks
Tested and recorded per appliance
Flue performance
Spillage test result
Defects and actions
Anything found, and what was done about it
WHERE LANDLORDS GET CAUGHT
1
The gas fire in the back room and the gas hob count. Each one is listed separately on the record. If an appliance is not accessible on the day it cannot be signed off, and the certificate is incomplete.
2
The clock starts on the day of the inspection. A new tenant needs their copy before they move in, not on the day. Emailing it counts, so there is no reason to leave it.
3
You are the one with the legal duty, so a tenant who will not let anyone in still leaves you exposed. Give us the tenant’s number when you book and we will arrange it with them directly, which usually solves it.
YOUR SITUATION
One property, one tenant
Several properties
New tenant about to move in
Tenant will not let anyone in
COMMON QUESTIONS
How often does a landlord gas safety check need doing?
What is a CP12?
When does my tenant need a copy?
What happens if an appliance fails?
Can I do the certificate and the boiler service together?
Do I need one if the property is empty between tenants?
BEFORE YOU GO
More of the same, written by the engineers who do the work.