Gas safety checks for homeowners and buyers
Peace of mind on every gas appliance, for owners and buyers.
Landlords have to get a gas safety check every year. Homeowners do not, but the same check is just as useful in your own home, and very useful when you are buying one. Our Gas Safe registered engineers test each gas appliance, the flues and the pipework, then give you a written record and an honest view of anything that needs attention.
Why homeowners book a gas safety check
Faulty gas appliances can leak carbon monoxide, which you cannot see, smell or taste. A yearly check catches problems with flues, ventilation and burners before they become dangerous.
It is especially worth doing if you have an older gas fire, a gas cooker that has never been checked, or you have just had building work near a flue or vent.
- Gas fires and older appliances that are rarely serviced
- After loft conversions, extensions or new windows near a flue
- Elderly relatives living alone
- Any sign of yellow or orange flames, soot or staining around an appliance
Buying a home? Check the gas before you complete
A standard survey looks at the building, not inside the boiler. A gas safety check tells you whether the boiler, fire and hob are safe to use, and whether anything is near the end of its life.
Ask for the boiler's service history and any paperwork for building work too. If the boiler looks tired, our guide on how long a boiler lasts can help you judge whether to budget for a replacement.
What the check covers
The engineer checks each gas appliance for safe operation. That includes a gas tightness test on the installation, burner pressure or heat input, flue performance, ventilation and the safety devices.
You get a written record listing each appliance and what was found. If something is unsafe, we explain the risk and turn it off if it needs to be, with a price for putting it right.
Safety check or service?
A safety check answers one question: is it safe? A boiler service goes further, opening up and cleaning the boiler so it runs efficiently and keeps its warranty. Many people book both at once. See our boiler service cost page for what a service includes.
We also recommend a working carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a gas boiler or fire. It is a cheap backup to a proper check.
What is included
- Safety check on every gas appliance in the home
- Gas tightness test on the pipework
- Flue and ventilation checks
- Written record of each appliance and the result
- Clear advice on anything that needs repair, priced before we do it
Gas safety checks for homeowners and buyers FAQs
Do homeowners legally need a gas safety certificate?
No. The annual legal requirement applies to landlords. For your own home it is strongly recommended rather than required, and it is good practice to have gas appliances checked each year.
Does the seller have to give me a gas safety certificate?
Sellers do not normally have to provide one, so it is worth arranging your own check before you exchange or soon after you move in. If the seller has recent service records, ask for them.
How long does a gas safety check take?
Usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many appliances there are. A house with a boiler, a fire and a hob takes longer than a flat with a combi and an electric cooker.
What if my appliance is unsafe?
The engineer will explain the problem and how serious it is. If it poses an immediate risk, it will be turned off and labelled. We give you a price to repair or replace it, and you decide what to do next.
I am a landlord. Is this the right page?
You need our landlord gas safety certificate service, which produces the record the law requires you to keep and share with tenants.
Get a fixed price for your home
Tell us about the job and we will arrange a free survey.