Do you need a gas safety certificate to sell a house?
You don’t legally need a gas safety certificate to sell a home in the UK, but having one can give buyers more confidence and help avoid delays. In this guide, we explain the difference between gas safety records, boiler installation certificates, and which documents actually matter during a sale.
Selling a home with gas appliances? Here’s what you need to know about gas safety documents
- You don’t need a gas safety certificate (CP12) by law to sell a home.
- If you’ve had a new boiler fitted since 2005, you must have a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
- Providing a gas safety record is not essential, but can boost buyer confidence.
- A lack of paperwork could raise concerns or delay the sale.
- Landlords must provide a gas safety certificate if selling with tenants in place.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate (also called a CP12 or Gas Safety Record) confirms that your gas appliances such as boilers, cookers and fires have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and are safe to use.
The certificate includes:
- Appliance details and locations.
- Results of safety checks.
- Any faults or recommended work.
- The engineer’s credentials and signature.
Is it legally required when selling?
No, not for homeowners. There’s no legal requirement to provide a gas safety certificate when selling a residential property you’ve lived in yourself.
However, if the property is tenanted or has been let out recently, then you must have a valid CP12 as part of your landlord obligations.
Even though it’s not legally required, many sellers choose to provide a certificate voluntarily, especially if:
- The boiler is old or hasn’t been serviced in a while.
- There are multiple gas appliances in the home.
- Buyers are likely to ask during their own survey.
The certificate you do legally need
If a new boiler or heat-producing gas appliance (excluding cookers) was installed in your home after April 2005, you’ll need a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate to show it was installed correctly and notified to your local authority.
Without this certificate, your solicitor may be unable to confirm compliance with building regulations, and this can delay or even derail a sale.
If you’ve lost your certificate, you can request a replacement from the Gas Safe Register for a small fee.
Why a gas safety certificate is still recommended
Even if it’s not mandatory, providing a recent CP12 can benefit your sale
- Increase buyer confidence: It proves your home has been maintained and that key systems are safe, giving buyers fewer reasons to worry.
- Help justify your asking price: A well-maintained home with up-to-date certificates is often perceived as higher quality. Buyers may be willing to pay more for peace of mind.
- Set your home apart: In a competitive market, offering full documentation even where it’s optional shows you’re a responsible seller.
- Prevent delays:If buyers ask for a gas inspection mid-sale and problems are found, it can delay completion or lead to renegotiation. Providing documentation upfront helps avoid this.
- Avoid negative assumptions: Without a safety certificate, some buyers may assume the boiler is faulty or hasn’t been maintained, even if that’s not the case.
Should you get a check done before selling?
You’re not obligated to, but a low-cost check (usually £60 to £90) could save time and reduce stress. If the engineer finds no issues, they’ll issue a Gas Safety Record valid for 12 months.
This also gives you the opportunity to fix any minor problems before they become an issue during the sale.
What if you don’t have a gas safety certificate?
You can still sell, but be prepared for questions. Buyers may:
- Ask for service records instead.
- Want to book their own inspection.
- Request a reduction in price if concerns arise.
You don’t need to spend money unnecessarily, but if your gas appliances haven’t been checked in years, it’s worth considering a quick inspection to avoid uncertainty.
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What about landlords selling a tenanted property?
If your property is currently rented out, you must provide a valid CP12 even if you're selling. This applies whether you’re selling with sitting tenants or during a vacant changeover.
The certificate must:
- Be less than 12 months old.
- Cover all gas appliances.
- Have been issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Be shared with the tenant as required by law.
Selling without one could lead to legal complications and breach of landlord regulations.
Boiler service vs gas safety check
A boiler service focuses on performance, efficiency and parts wear.
A gas safety check ensures all gas appliances are operating safely and meeting legal standards.
Some engineers offer both during the same visit, but always check what you’re paying for before booking.
Summary of what paperwork you need when selling
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