A gas safety inspection, often called a CP12, covers every gas appliance in the property, the pipework supplying them, the flues that remove exhaust gases, and the ventilation around each appliance. The engineer checks that everything is working safely and efficiently, then issues a certificate confirming the result. For landlords in Scotland, this check is a legal requirement every 12 months, and it’s good practice for homeowners too.
What Is a CP12 / Gas Safety Certificate?
CP12 is the old name for what’s now officially called a Landlord Gas Safety Record, though most people including many gas engineers still refer to it as a CP12 out of habit. It’s the certificate issued after a gas safety inspection, confirming that every gas appliance, pipe, and flue checked was found to be safe, or listing anything that needs attention.
What Gets Checked During the Inspection
Gas Appliances
Every gas appliance in the property is checked boilers, gas fires, gas cookers, and gas hobs. The engineer checks each one is operating correctly, burning cleanly, and hasn’t been installed or modified in a way that creates a risk.
Flues and Ventilation
Flues carry exhaust gases safely out of the property, and blocked or damaged flues are one of the most serious risks an inspection can catch. The engineer checks the flue is properly connected, unobstructed, and terminates safely outside. Ventilation around each appliance is checked too, since gas appliances need enough airflow to burn safely.
Gas Pipework
The engineer checks pipework for leaks, corrosion, and correct installation, using a tightness test to confirm there’s no gas escaping anywhere along the supply.
Gas Pressure and Burner Pressure
Each appliance is tested to confirm it’s receiving gas at the correct pressure. Incorrect pressure can mean an appliance runs inefficiently or, in some cases, unsafely.
Safety Devices
Where fitted, safety devices like flame supervision devices are checked to confirm they’d correctly shut off the gas supply if something went wrong.
How Long Does a Gas Safety Inspection Take?
A typical inspection for a home with one boiler takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Properties with multiple gas appliances a boiler, a gas fire, and a gas cooker, for example usually take closer to an hour.
How Much Does a Gas Safety Certificate Cost in Glasgow? (2026)
| Property Type | Typical Cost |
| Flat with one gas appliance (boiler only) | £55 – £75 |
| House with boiler and gas fire or cooker | £70 – £95 |
| Combined with annual boiler service | £110 – £160 for both |
Booking the safety check alongside your annual boiler service is usually the most cost-effective option, since the engineer is already on site checking the same appliance.
What Happens If Something Fails the Inspection
If an issue is found, the engineer will explain what it is, whether it needs immediate attention, and whether the appliance needs to be turned off until it’s fixed. Serious issues, like a dangerous flue or a gas leak, mean the appliance gets labelled “at risk” or “immediately dangerous” and disconnected on the spot for safety. Minor issues might just be noted on the certificate with a recommendation to address them at the next opportunity.
Glasgow-Specific Considerations
Landlord Legal Requirements in Scotland
Landlords in Scotland must arrange a gas safety check every 12 months for any rented property with gas appliances, carried out by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register. This is a legal duty, not a recommendation, and the Scottish Government and mygov.scot both set out landlord obligations in more detail.
Older Tenement Flues
Older Glasgow tenement properties sometimes have shared or older-style flue arrangements that need a careful check, particularly where a property has had work done on chimneys or breasts in the past. This is one of the areas where local experience with older housing stock makes a real difference to the thoroughness of the check.
Multiple Properties for Landlords
If you’re managing several rental properties across East Kilbride, Paisley, or Rutherglen, it’s worth booking all your gas safety checks around the same time each year so renewal dates don’t slip between properties.
Why Choose a Gas Safe Certified Engineer?
Only an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register can legally carry out a gas safety inspection, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Precision Renovators is led by a Gas Safe registered engineer, registration number 958336, which you can check directly on the Gas Safe Register website before booking. Every certificate we issue is genuine, dated, and kept on file for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a gas safety certificate?
Landlords need a gas safety check every 12 months by law. Homeowners aren’t legally required to get one, but an annual check alongside a boiler service is good practice for safety and warranty purposes.
What’s the difference between a CP12 and a boiler service?
A gas safety check confirms appliances, pipework, and flues are safe. A boiler service is a more detailed check of the boiler itself, looking at its internal components and efficiency. The two are often done together but aren’t the same thing.
Can I do my own gas safety check?
No. Gas safety checks must be carried out by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register this is a legal requirement, not just best practice, for landlords and for anyone having gas work done.
What happens if my gas appliance fails the safety check?
Depending on severity, the engineer will either note the issue for you to address, or disconnect the appliance immediately if it’s found to be dangerous. You’ll be told clearly which applies and why.
How do I check if an engineer is Gas Safe registered?
Ask for their Gas Safe registration number and check it on the official Gas Safe Register website, or ask to see their ID card, which every registered engineer carries.
Do gas cookers need to be included in a gas safety certificate?
Yes, any gas appliance in the property including gas cookers and gas fires, not just the boiler should be included in the inspection.
Ready to Get Started?
Precision Renovators is a Gas Safe certified plumbing and heating company based in Glasgow, covering gas safety inspections, boiler servicing, and repairs for homeowners and landlords across the city and surrounding areas. Get in touch for a free, written quote.
Call or WhatsApp: 07495 816227
