Landlord Gas Safety in 2026: Current Duties and Records

Reviewed 24 September 2026: This guide separates current gas safety duties from future Renters' Rights Act measures. Refer to the HSE landlord guidance and the government implementation roadmap for current rules.

Current landlord gas safety duties

A landlord must arrange an annual safety check of relevant gas appliances and flues by a Gas Safe registered engineer, maintain gas pipework and appliances in a safe condition, and keep the safety check record for at least two years. Give the record to an existing tenant within 28 days of the check and to a new tenant before occupation. Check the engineer's registration and qualifications for the specific appliance. HSE: records and responsibilities.

A check can be completed in the two months before its due date while retaining the existing annual check date, provided the legal conditions are met. Ask the engineer to confirm the next due date on the record. HSE: annual checks.

If access is refused, document reasonable attempts to arrange the check, communicate with the tenant and seek specialist advice. Do not enter without lawful authority. A boiler service and a landlord gas safety check are different tasks; confirm with the engineer what work has been done.

Carbon monoxide alarms

In England, a carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Test prescribed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on the first day of a new tenancy and repair or replace a faulty alarm when notified and found faulty. GOV.UK alarm guidance.

Renters' Rights Act and the future database

The first phase of the Renters' Rights Act took effect on 1 May 2026. The Private Rented Sector Database is planned for a phased regional rollout from late 2026; follow the government's published timetable for your area. Do not assume that a gas record must already be uploaded to a live national database. Government roadmap.

Gas safety breaches can have serious consequences. The type and level of enforcement depend on the particular breach and legal route; a general £30,000 per gas safety offence figure is misleading. Seek legal advice for a specific possession or enforcement issue.

A simple record keeping checklist

1. Note every property's next gas check due date and book a qualified engineer in good time.
2. Store the record and proof of delivery to the tenant.
3. Log alarm tests, reports of faults, access requests and completed maintenance.
4. Review the official guidance as future database requirements are confirmed.

Skyline's property inventories and mid-term inspections in Birmingham can help document visible condition and alarms, but a Gas Safe engineer must perform the gas safety work. Contact us about property records.