Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Exeter: When You Need a CP12 and What Checks Are Included
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
If you are searching for landlord gas safety certificate Exeter services, you are usually working to a renewal date, a new tenancy or a looming compliance deadline. A CP12 is not just another item of admin. It is the gas safety record that shows the gas appliances and flues you provide in a rental property have been checked for safety.
At Taylor Plumbing and Heating, we provide landlord gas safety certificates in Exeter and across Devon as part of our domestic plumbing and heating services. This guide explains when a CP12 is required, what checks are usually included, what happens if a fault is found and how to keep the process straightforward for both you and your tenants.
Landlord gas safety certificate Exeter: when is a CP12 required?
A CP12 is the common name many landlords use for the gas safety record. In practical terms, if you let a property with gas appliances or flues that you provide, the annual check is a core part of staying organised and protecting your tenants.
Every 12 months for rented properties with gas
The main rule is simple: landlords need an annual gas safety check for the gas appliances and flues they are responsible for. That is why many Exeter landlords arrange the inspection before the current record runs out rather than leaving it until the last minute.
Arrange the gas safety check every 12 months.
Provide existing tenants with a copy of the record within 28 days of the check.
Provide new tenants with a copy before they move in.
Keep your gas safety record for at least two years.
Before a new tenancy starts
If you are preparing for a new tenant, do not leave the certificate until move-in week. Having the CP12 arranged in advance helps avoid last-minute access problems and gives you time to deal with any repair work if something needs attention.
When a property is being re-let after a void period
Even if the property has been empty, the renewal date still matters. Checking it early is a sensible way to keep your next tenancy on schedule and avoid delays when contracts, inventories and key handover are already being planned.
After major gas work or if there is a safety concern
The legal cycle is annual, but good property management goes a little further. If there has been significant gas work, a boiler issue or a tenant reports a concern such as repeated shutdowns or unusual smells, it makes sense to have the system assessed promptly rather than assuming everything is fine.
What checks are included in a CP12 inspection?
The exact inspection depends on the type of appliance, its age and how accessible it is, but a landlord gas safety certificate in Exeter will normally focus on the gas appliances and flues the landlord is responsible for. The aim is to confirm that they can be used safely.
Checks on the gas appliances themselves
This may include the boiler, gas fire, hob, oven or other gas appliances supplied with the property. Typical checks include:
A visual inspection of the appliance condition and installation.
Checks that the appliance is operating safely.
Looking for signs of unsafe combustion or obvious defects.
Confirming that safety devices are working as they should.
Flue and ventilation checks
A CP12 is not just about the appliance body. The route gases take away from the appliance matters just as much.
Flues are checked to make sure fumes can discharge safely.
Ventilation is assessed where it is required for safe operation.
The engineer looks for signs that products of combustion may not be clearing correctly.
Gas supply and accessible pipework checks
The visit can also include checks on the gas supply to the appliance and accessible gas pipework, depending on the installation and the appliances present.
Checking for signs of gas tightness issues where relevant.
Inspecting accessible connections and visible pipework.
Confirming the appliance is suitably set up to operate safely.
After the inspection, you receive the gas safety record showing which appliances were checked and whether any issues were identified. If a tenant has their own gas appliance, mention that when booking so the scope of the visit is clear from the outset.
A CP12 is not the same as a boiler service
This is one of the most common points of confusion for landlords. A CP12 is a safety inspection. A boiler service is a maintenance visit. One does not automatically replace the other.
CP12: focuses on legal gas safety and the condition of the appliances and flues from a safety point of view.
Boiler service: focuses on maintenance, wear, general condition and helping the boiler keep running reliably.
Many landlords choose to combine the annual gas safety check with boiler service and repair. It is a practical way to deal with safety and routine maintenance together and can reduce the chance of avoidable breakdown issues during a tenancy.
What happens if the inspection finds a fault?
If a problem is found, the priority is safety. The issue should be explained clearly so you understand what has been identified, whether the appliance can continue in use and what remedial action may be needed.
Some faults may need adjustment or repair before the appliance is put back into normal use.
More serious safety issues can mean the appliance should not be used until it has been made safe.
Prompt follow-on work helps protect tenants and prevents a small issue becoming a bigger one.
Because we also carry out central heating services, boiler installations, LPG installation and repair, power flushing and general plumbing and heating work, landlords do not have to start from scratch looking for the next trade if a fault is discovered.
How to prepare for a smooth landlord gas safety visit
A little preparation makes the appointment quicker and easier. It also reduces the chance of a follow-up visit caused by simple access problems.
Make sure every gas appliance can be reached. Clear items away from the boiler, meter, gas fire or hob if cupboards or stored belongings are blocking access.
Let your tenant know the appointment time. Good communication avoids missed visits and helps everything run more smoothly on the day.
Flag any known issues in advance. If the boiler has been locking out, the pilot has been unreliable or a tenant has reported concerns, say so when you book.
Have previous paperwork ready if available. Earlier gas safety records or service notes can be useful context, especially in properties with recurring issues.
Mention if the property uses LPG. Taylor Plumbing and Heating also provides LPG installation and repair, so it is helpful to know the fuel type before the visit is arranged.
If you manage multiple properties, it is worth tracking renewal months in one place. Booking ahead is far easier than trying to organise access once a certificate is already due or a new tenancy date is fixed.
Why choose Taylor Plumbing and Heating for your CP12 in Exeter?
Taylor Plumbing and Heating is a domestic plumbing and heating business based in Exeter and serving customers across Devon. We provide landlord gas safety certificates as part of a broader service that also includes boiler installations, boiler service and repair, central heating installation and servicing, bathroom installations, power flushing, plumbing repairs and heat pump installations.
Our business has 10 years of experience, and our aim is to provide reliable, professional workmanship with clear communication. We also hold a Gas Safe qualification through BPEC Certification Ltd, and landlord gas safety inspection CP12 work forms part of our gas and heating services.
Local and practical: We are based in Exeter, which makes us a convenient choice for local landlords.
Joined-up support: You can arrange landlord gas safety certificates in Exeter and, if needed, follow-on heating work through one trusted business.
Responsive service: Fast response and reliable service are part of how we work.
Whether you manage one rental property or several, the goal is the same: get the certificate arranged on time, keep the property safe and deal with any problems before they disrupt the tenancy.
Frequently asked questions about landlord gas safety certificates in Exeter
How often do I need a landlord gas safety certificate in Exeter?
In most cases, every 12 months for each rented property where you provide gas appliances or flues. If you are unsure which appliances fall under your responsibility, ask before booking.
Does a CP12 include a boiler service?
No. A CP12 is a gas safety inspection, while a boiler service is routine maintenance. Many landlords book both at the same time for convenience.
How long does a CP12 inspection take?
It depends on the number of appliances, the size of the property and how easy access is. A property with one boiler is usually quicker than a home with several gas appliances.
Do I still need a gas safety check for an LPG property?
If the rental property uses LPG, landlord gas safety responsibilities still matter. Let us know the property setup when you enquire so the visit can be planned correctly.
Can Taylor Plumbing and Heating help if repairs are needed after the inspection?
Yes. In addition to CP12 certificates, we also provide boiler service and repair, central heating services, LPG installation and repair and general plumbing and heating work across Devon.
Arrange your landlord gas safety certificate with Taylor Plumbing and Heating
If your renewal date is approaching or you are preparing for a new tenancy, now is the right time to get your CP12 booked in. Leaving it too late creates pressure for landlords and inconvenience for tenants, especially if follow-on work is needed.
Arrange your landlord gas safety certificate with Taylor Plumbing and Heating and ask us about any boiler or gas repairs identified during the visit. To enquire, email info@taylorplumbingandheatingsw.co.uk or call 01392 914088.