Gas Leak After CP12 – Who Pays?

Finding a gas leak weeks or months after a CP12 gas safety certificate was issued is more common than you might think. The key question, who pays for the repair, comes down to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

What the CP12 Actually Tests

A CP12 (landlord gas safety record) is a snapshot. The gas engineer tests for leaks, checks flue flow, measures gas pressure, and inspects appliances at the time of the visit. If everything passes on the day, the certificate is valid. It does not guarantee that nothing will develop a fault afterwards.

Pipework corrodes. Joints loosen over time. Appliances degrade. A leak appearing two months after a CP12 does not mean the check was done badly, it means something changed.

Who Is Legally Responsible?

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, the landlord has a legal duty to:

• Maintain all gas pipework, appliances, and flues in a safe condition
• Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Keep records of each safety check for at least two years

This means the landlord pays for investigation and repairs to gas installations in the property. A tenant is not responsible for maintaining gas pipework or appliances unless they installed them themselves (which is extremely rare in rental properties).

What to Do If Your Landlord Won’t Pay

1. Ask for a copy of the CP12. Check that the tightness test section is actually filled in. It is worth checking whether the tightness test section of the certificate has been completed, as a missing entry may indicate an incomplete check.
2. Put your complaint in writing. Email your landlord explaining that gas maintenance is their responsibility under the 1998 Regulations.
3. Report to the Gas Safe Register if you believe the original safety check was not carried out properly. They can investigate the engineer.
4. Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team. They have powers to force landlords to carry out gas safety work.

Can the Landlord Blame the Tenant?

Only if the tenant has physically damaged the gas installation, for example by knocking a pipe during DIY work. Normal wear and tear, corrosion, and joint failure are the landlord’s responsibility. Simply living in the property and using the gas appliances does not make a tenant liable for leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a CP12 guarantee there are no leaks?

No. A CP12 confirms that the installation was safe at the time of inspection. Faults can develop at any point afterwards.

How often must a landlord get a gas safety check?

At least once every 12 months, and a copy of the record must be given to the tenant within 28 days of the check or before they move in.

What if my landlord does not have a CP12?

This is a criminal offence. Report it to the Gas Safe Register (0800 408 5500) in the first instance, your local authority Environmental Health department, or HSE.

Can I withhold rent if there is a gas leak?

Withholding rent is risky and can give the landlord grounds to evict you. Instead, report the issue to Environmental Health and let them take enforcement action.

Published 2026-03-07. This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.