The Landlord Gas Safety Record (commonly called a CP12) is the certificate that proves every gas appliance, flue and pipework in your rental has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer in the last 12 months. Canterbury's rental market is dominated by student HMOs around the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church and the city walls, plus a healthy supply of professional lets in Wincheap, St Dunstan's and Sturry Road. HMOs and listed buildings push compliance burden well above the national average for a town this size.
A Canterbury Gas Safe engineer will inspect every landlord-owned gas appliance — boiler, hob, oven, gas fire, water heater — plus the flues serving them. The check covers:
It is not a service. If you want the boiler's heat exchanger cleaned or burners adjusted to manufacturer specs, ask for a "service + CP12" combined quote.
A standalone CP12 with one boiler in Canterbury typically runs £60–£90. Add an extra appliance (gas hob, gas fire) for around £15–£20 each. A combined service + CP12 with a Worcester Bosch / Vaillant / Ideal combi is usually £100–£140.
Yes. If you renew within 2 months of the existing expiry date, the new certificate runs from the old expiry, so you don't lose any time. Outside that window, the clock resets to 12 months from the inspection date.
Document every attempt in writing — Gas Safe and the HSE both expect a paper trail. Send recorded delivery notice citing your statutory right of access for safety inspection (Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985). If the tenant still refuses, take legal advice; injunctions are a last resort but possible.
No. The CP12 is a safety check; a service is a maintenance procedure following the manufacturer's schedule. The CP12 is the legal minimum, but most Canterbury landlords pay slightly more for a combined service + CP12 to keep the boiler under warranty.
No, the existing CP12 is valid for its full 12 months regardless of who manages the property. Make sure your new agent has a copy on file before they hand keys to a new tenant.
HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) often have additional licence conditions on top of the CP12 — many Kent councils require copies submitted with the licence application. Canterbury's council requires HMOs above 5 occupants to be licensed; check your specific licence conditions.
We'll forward your details to Gas Safe registered engineers in Canterbury who do landlord work. Most respond within 24 hours.
Renewing a CP12? Most Canterbury landlords also need an EICR (every 5 years) and PAT testing on supplied appliances. Bundle them on one access trip: