If you let out a property in Kent with a gas appliance, you need a current Landlord Gas Safety Record (CP12). Here's what the law actually requires, what gets checked, and how to stay compliant.
The legal requirement
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require landlords to have all gas appliances, fittings, and flues checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least every 12 months. A copy of the CP12 record must be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in.
Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Penalties range from unlimited fines to imprisonment in the worst cases, and your landlord insurance is likely to be void.
What gets checked
- Boiler operation and combustion (flue gas analysis)
- Gas pipework: visual inspection for leaks and corrosion
- Gas appliances (cooker, fire, water heater) for safe operation
- Flues and ventilation: clear, correctly sized, properly terminated
- CO alarm presence and operation in rooms with combustion appliances
- Gas meter and emergency control valve location and accessibility
Cost and turnaround
A CP12 inspection for a typical one-boiler property in Kent is £85 fitted. Multi-appliance properties (e.g. boiler + gas cooker + gas fire) are quoted before booking. Same-day or next-day appointments are available, with the certificate emailed within 24 hours.
Renewal timing
You can renew the CP12 from 10 to 12 months after the previous one and keep the same anniversary date. Renew earlier than that and you reset the date, shortening your next renewal window.
Letting agents and managing agents: I offer a discount for multi-property portfolios and can coordinate access directly with tenants on your behalf.