How Much Does a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Cost?

Every landlord with gas appliances needs a gas safety check once a year, so the cost adds up over the life of a tenancy. This guide explains what the price covers, what makes one check cost more than another, and a little-known rule that lets you book early without losing any time on your certificate. For the basics of how often you need a check and what the law requires, see our guide How often do landlords need a gas safety certificate?.

What the price covers

A landlord gas safety check is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For each gas appliance and flue you provide, they'll check:

• That the appliance is working safely and burning gas correctly.
• That flues and chimneys are clear and removing fumes properly.
• That there's enough ventilation.
• That safety devices work.
• That the gas pipework is sound. This usually includes a tightness test of the whole installation.

At the end, you get a Landlord Gas Safety Record, often called a CP12. The price covers the check and the record. It doesn't include repairs, replacement parts or a boiler service.

A gas safety check is not a boiler service

The two are often confused, but they're different jobs:

• A gas safety check is a legal requirement. It confirms the appliances are safe to use today.
• A boiler service is maintenance. The engineer strips down and cleans parts of the boiler, following the manufacturer's instructions. It's usually needed to keep the boiler's warranty valid, and it's good practice even when it isn't required.

Some engineers offer both on the same visit, which can save you a second call-out. Just make sure you know which one you're paying for.

What affects the price

• Number of appliances. This is the biggest factor. A flat with just a boiler costs less to check than a house with a boiler, a gas hob and a gas fire. Engineers on RentalComply price gas safety checks by the number of appliances for this reason.
• Type of appliance. Older gas fires and open-flued appliances take longer to test than a modern room-sealed boiler.
• Number of properties. Each flat needs its own record, so a converted building with several flats means several checks, though they can usually be done on one visit.
• Access. Boxed-in pipework, hidden flues or a meter that's hard to reach add time.
• Location. Travel time can affect the price, especially outside towns and cities.

Extra costs to budget for

• Repairs. If an appliance is classed as "Immediately Dangerous" or "At Risk", it will need repairing or replacing, and that's quoted separately. An Immediately Dangerous appliance may be disconnected on the day, with your permission.
• Missed appointments. If the engineer can't get in, ask what happens. Arrange access with your tenant in advance and confirm the day before.
• Leaving it late. If the record has already run out, you lose the chance to compare engineers and pick a date that suits you.

Book early without losing time: the two-month rule

Since April 2018, landlords in England can have the annual check carried out up to two months before the deadline and keep the original expiry date.

For example, say your current record runs out on 1 June. If the engineer carries out the check on 10 April, your next check is still due by 1 June the following year, not 10 April. You don't lose those seven weeks.

This gives you a comfortable window to:

• Find an engineer at a good price.
• Agree a date that works for your tenant.
• Sort out any repairs before the old record runs out.

To keep the original date, you need to keep both the old and new records.

Don't cut corners on who does the check

Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally carry out a landlord gas safety check. Before the visit, you can check an engineer's registration on the Gas Safe Register. On the day, you can ask to see their Gas Safe ID card. The back of the card shows which types of appliance they're qualified to work on. A cheap check from someone who isn't registered isn't valid, and it leaves your tenants and you at risk.

How pricing works on RentalComply

Every engineer on RentalComply is Gas Safe registered, and we check their registration number before they can take bookings. Each engineer sets a fixed price by the number of appliances, so you see the full price before you book. You compare local engineers by price, distance and reviews, choose a time and pay online. The record is uploaded to your dashboard once the job's done. If you store your certificates with us, we'll email you before your next check is due, so you can book within the two-month window.

See gas safety prices and book online, or find Gas Safe engineers in your town.