Landlords must have every gas appliance and flue they provide checked for safety by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least every 12 months, and keep a record. Existing tenants must get a copy of the record within 28 days of the check, and new tenants before they move in. A check done in the 2 months before the deadline keeps the original deadline date.
Step by step
- List the appliances and fluesBoilers, gas fires, cookers and flues you provide.
- Book a Gas Safe registered engineerOnly a registered engineer can carry out the safety check.
- Book it in the 2-month windowHave it checked up to 2 months before the deadline to keep the same date next year.
- Give tenants the recordWithin 28 days of the check for existing tenants; before they move in for new tenants.
- Keep the recordKeep each record until there have been two further checks.
The 2-month window
Regulation 36A of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 lets you have the check done in the 2 months before the deadline date and treat it as done on the deadline. That stops the annual date creeping earlier every year.
Worked example. The last check was on 10 February 2026, so the next deadline is 10 February 2027. A check on any day from 11 December 2026 to 10 February 2027 keeps the following deadline at 10 February 2028. A check on 1 December 2026 would move it to 1 December 2027.
What to keep
| Duty | Timing |
|---|---|
| Safety check | At intervals of no more than 12 months |
| Copy to existing tenants | Within 28 days of the check |
| Copy to new tenants | Before they move in |
| Keep the record | Until two further checks have been made |
Frequently asked questions
How often do landlords need a gas safety check?
At least every 12 months for each gas appliance and flue they provide.
Who can do a landlord gas safety check?
A Gas Safe registered engineer.
Can I get the gas check done early?
Yes. In the 2 months before the deadline it keeps the original deadline date.
How long do I keep gas safety records?
Until two further checks have been made on that appliance or flue.
Sources
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, reg. 36 – legislation.gov.uk
- Gas Safety Regulations 1998, reg. 36A – legislation.gov.uk
- Gas safety: landlords – HSE
- Your landlord’s safety responsibilities – GOV.UK
Related guides
- LandlordsMaking Tax Digital for landlords: quarterly update deadlines for 2026/27
- LandlordsHow to increase the rent: section 13 and Form 4A
- LandlordsEICR for landlords: electrical safety checks in England
- LandlordsEPC rules for landlords
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 4 November 2026. Rules change; check the sources above.