Quick answer
If a landlord gas safety certificate has expired, treat it as urgent and organise a new gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Check the date on the latest landlord gas safety record.
- Arrange a new annual gas safety check for any landlord-supplied gas appliances or flues.
- Keep copies of the new record and any repair/follow-up records.
- Give the record to existing tenants within the required timeframe and to new tenants before they move in.
- If the engineer identifies a safety issue, make sure the appliance is not used until the issue has been dealt with.
- Set a reminder so the next check is not missed.
This page is a practical guide for England. It does not replace official HSE guidance, legal advice or property-specific professional advice.
Expired gas safety certificate: what should a landlord do?
| Situation | Practical next step | Record to keep |
|---|---|---|
| The check date is over 12 months ago | Book a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible. | New gas safety check record and booking notes. |
| A new tenant is due to move in | Make sure a current gas safety record is available before move-in. | Copy of the record provided to the tenant. |
| A tenant will not provide access | Keep clear written records of access requests and attempts to arrange the check. | Emails, letters, texts and engineer appointment notes. |
| The engineer finds a defect | Take prompt follow-up action and do not allow unsafe appliances to be used. | Engineer record, repair invoice and any follow-up confirmation. |
| You are unsure what applies | Check HSE guidance or speak to a qualified professional. | Notes of advice received and actions taken. |
What does “expired” mean?
A landlord gas safety record is normally valid for 12 months from the date of the check. If the previous check is outside that period, the record should be treated as out of date and a new check should be arranged.
HSE guidance says landlords must arrange an annual gas safety check on gas appliances and flues they provide, keep records, and issue copies to tenants. New tenants should receive a copy before they move in.
If you are close to the renewal date rather than already past it, use the gas safety certificate expiry guide to work out the renewal timing.
Steps to take if the certificate has expired
- Find the latest record. Check the inspection date, property address and appliances/flues covered.
- Book a Gas Safe registered engineer. Prioritise the check if the property is occupied or about to be let.
- Tell the tenant or applicant clearly. Arrange access properly and keep communication in writing where possible.
- Review any defects. If safety issues are identified, arrange remedial action and keep evidence of what was done.
- Send and store the record. Keep a secure copy and provide the correct copy to tenants.
- Add the next renewal date. A reminder 30–60 days before expiry gives you time to arrange access and repairs.
If access is difficult
If a tenant does not provide access, do not ignore the renewal. Keep a record of your reasonable attempts to arrange the check, including appointment offers, reminders and any engineer visit notes.
HSE guidance says landlords should be able to show that they took reasonable steps to comply. If access remains a problem, seek professional advice before taking further action.
FAQs: expired gas safety certificates
How long does a landlord gas safety certificate last?
In most cases, the gas safety record is current for 12 months from the date of the check. Landlords should track the exact inspection date and arrange the next check before the record expires.
Can tenants move in if the gas safety record is out of date?
Landlords should make sure a current gas safety check record is available for new tenants before they move in. If the record is out of date, arrange a new check and get property-specific advice where needed.
What if there are no gas appliances?
If there are no landlord-supplied gas appliances or flues, record that clearly in your property file. Do not mark the property as missing a gas certificate if the check does not apply.
What if the engineer finds a problem?
Take prompt action to deal with the defect and make sure unsafe appliances are not used until they have been made safe. Keep records of the engineer’s findings and any repair work.
Can LettingReady tell me exactly what to do legally?
No. LettingReady gives practical preparation prompts and reminders. For legal, safety or property-specific decisions, check official guidance and speak to a qualified professional.
Sources and notes
This page is a practical summary, not legal advice. Always check current official guidance.