A gas safety certificate, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR), is a document provided by a Gas Safe registered engineer to confirm that gas appliances and flues in a rented property have been checked and are safe to use. Landlords are legally required to have a gas safety check and provide a copy of this record to existing tenants and any new tenants before they move in. The record details the appliances checked, any defects found, and confirms the engineer's registration number and signature.  
 
What is it and why is it needed?
 
The purpose is to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe, preventing risks like gas leaks, fires, and fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. 
It's a legal requirement in the UK under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 for landlords of rented properties. 
 
Who issues it and who gets it?
 
A Gas Safe registered engineer conducts the inspection. 
The engineer gives the record to the landlord. 
The landlord must provide a copy to tenants before they move in and within 28 days of each annual check. 
 
What information should it include?
 
The certificate must include: 
A description of and location of each appliance and flue checked.
The name, registration number, and signature of the engineer.
The date of the check and the property's address.
Any safety defects identified and the remedial action taken.
Confirmation that the check included specific safety matters.
 
What about homeowners?
 
Homeowners are not legally required to have a gas safety certificate, but it is highly recommended to have regular annual servicing by a qualified engineer to ensure safety.