If you rent out a property in Oxford or the surrounding areas, staying compliant with gas safety law is not optional. In fact, failing to hold a valid Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) can lead to serious legal consequences. Therefore, understanding what’s required — and when — is essential.
What Is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate confirms that all gas appliances, pipework and flues in a rental property have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer within the last 12 months. This applies across Oxford, Abingdon, Witney, Bicester and Carterton.
According to Gas Safe Register, only registered engineers can legally carry out these checks.
What Is Checked During a CP12 Inspection?
During a professional inspection, the engineer will:
Inspect gas pipework for leaks
Check appliance operation and safety
Confirm adequate ventilation
Test flue flow and emissions
Identify unsafe installations
If issues are found, they must be resolved before the certificate can be issued.
Common Reasons Certificates Fail
However, many Oxford landlords fail their first inspection due to:
Poor ventilation
Faulty flues
Ageing boilers
DIY gas work
Older properties around Headington and Cowley are especially prone to these issues.
Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord
Under UK law, landlords must:
Renew the certificate every 12 months
Provide tenants with a copy within 28 days
Keep records for at least two years
You can read the official guidance on GOV.UK.
Book a Gas Safety Check in Oxford
If you need a reliable inspection, our Landlord Certification Oxford service ensures full compliance. We also carry out Gas Safety Checks in Oxford for homeowners and landlords alike.
To arrange your inspection, simply contact Cathedral Controls today.
