HMO gas safety certificate: what landlords need to know
A house in multiple occupation has the same gas safety duties as other rented homes, plus licence conditions set by the local council.
The annual check
Every gas appliance and flue provided by the landlord must be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. In an HMO this includes boilers and cookers in shared kitchens and appliances in communal areas.
Giving tenants the record
Give each existing tenant a copy within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in. Keep your copy for two years.
Council licence conditions
Licensed HMOs have conditions set by the local authority. Mandatory conditions normally require a valid gas safety record to be supplied to the council, and councils can add their own conditions. Check the rules for your borough; for example, see Redbridge Council’s page.
Planning the visit
With several tenants, access is the hard part. Give written notice to everyone, offer set times and tell us how we get into each room that has an appliance. See parking, access and keys.
This is general information, not legal advice. For your own tenancy, ask a solicitor or a landlord association.
Book your check
Book a landlord gas safety check online, or call free on 0800 118 2128. A CP12 record is £92.50 for up to two appliances and £22.50 for each additional appliance; gas fires are charged separately. See the landlord gas safety check page.
Common questions
Does every room with a gas appliance need checking?
Yes. The check covers each gas appliance and flue that you provide, wherever it is in the property.
What about tenants’ own appliances?
Your duty covers appliances you supply. Tenants are responsible for their own, but you should tell them to use a Gas Safe registered engineer.