What Are The Rules For Gas Safety Certificates for Holiday Homes in London?

What are the legal gas safety requirements for holiday homes in London?

If you rent out a holiday home in London, whether full time or occasionally, you are legally required to keep it gas safe. This includes having a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for any gas appliance guests might use. Letting your property through Airbnb, Vrbo or any other short let platform does not remove this obligation. The law is clear. Safety checks are not optional and the rules apply from the moment your property is made available to guests.

This guide outlines the key responsibilities, common pitfalls and practical steps to stay compliant. It also offers helpful advice for hosts in areas like Harrow, Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, and Wandsworth who are looking to streamline safety checks and protect their bookings.

Why are gas safety rules so strict for holiday lets?

Gas safety laws cover all landlords, including those letting properties on a short term basis. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require an annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer for any rental property with gas appliances. This includes boilers, cookers and any other connected units.

Safety checks must happen before hosting guests

If your property in West Hampstead, Acton, Clapham or similar locations is available to paying guests and contains gas appliances, then you need an annual CP12. This applies to whole flats and even just a room in your home if gas equipment is accessible.

Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo expect documentation

These companies actively enforce safety standards. If you do not upload proof of gas safety checks or fail to confirm installation of carbon monoxide alarms, your listing could be suspended. Airbnb’s Trust and Safety team has removed listings in the past for missing safety paperwork. Even if your place runs on electricity, Airbnb may still request confirmation that there is no active gas supply, pipework or legacy system.

Where do short let hosts often make mistakes?

A property does not need to be occupied to require a certificate

The legal requirement is based on availability to let, not guest activity. If your property is listed and has gas, you need a valid CP12 even if nobody has stayed recently. This is where many hosts fall out of compliance.

Electric-only assumption can lead to trouble

In London, many properties have a capped gas meter or unused gas line. Even if all appliances are electric, the presence of a live gas connection may still require certification. Always have a Gas Safe engineer confirm whether a certificate is needed.

Example: A landlord in Kilburn believed their flat was exempt. After a guest reported an old boiler, HSE got involved. The host was fined and temporarily delisted from Airbnb.

Do owner occupied and mixed use properties need a CP12?

Some properties are in a grey area

If you live in the property most of the time and occasionally let it out, the rules depend on whether guests can access gas appliances. If guests stay in a separate room but use a shared kitchen with a gas cooker, the law still applies.

Boroughs like Westminster, Brent and Hammersmith have more active enforcement teams. Hosts in these areas should be especially cautious and maintain clear documentation.

What do CP12 risk codes mean for landlords?

Gas Safety Certificates often include abbreviations that indicate risk levels. These should be taken seriously.

ID means Immediately Dangerous

The appliance or pipework must not be used. It is disconnected on the spot and must be repaired before further use. You should never allow a guest to stay until this has been resolved.

AR means At Risk

This refers to an unsafe condition that could lead to danger. You need to arrange repair or replacement urgently and not use the appliance until it is resolved.

NCS means Not to Current Standards

The installation is outdated but still functional. You are not required to fix it immediately, but it is recommended that you plan for an upgrade.

Keep a written record of all findings and your follow up actions. This can be helpful if there is ever a question from guests, platform support or local authorities.

How do I stay compliant across all safety checks?

You can group your gas safety certificate with other mandatory checks to make compliance easier. Many hosts schedule a single day each year to take care of everything.

Combine your checks for efficiency:

• Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tests

Use a digital or printed checklist to stay organised. For landlords operating in multiple boroughs or who use changeover staff, this can prevent missed inspections and late renewals.

Can technology help manage gas safety compliance?

Yes. Automation tools make it easier to manage documents, reminders and inspections without extra admin.

Useful tools and platforms:

• Digital CP12 certificates from Gas Safe engineers

• Google Calendar or Outlook reminders

• Property management apps like Tokeet, Arthur or Hostfully

• Cloud storage for keeping documentation accessible for inspectors or guests

Automating compliance reduces risk, helps with audits and reassures guests that their safety is taken seriously.

What safety checks do Airbnb and Vrbo expect?

Platform enforcement is growing

Both companies require proof of safety documentation and reserve the right to delist properties without notice if they suspect a breach. Airbnb now expects hosts to confirm installation of smoke alarms, CO alarms and appropriate documentation for any gas or electrical installations.

Common issues that trigger listing removal:

• Expired CP12 or no upload

• No CO alarm present

• Misleading information about appliance type

You can refer to Airbnb’s safety centre for more on trust policies for UK hosts.

Where should I keep or show my CP12 certificate?

Visibility matters. If there is an emergency or a guest asks to see your certificate, make it easy to find.

Display options include:

• A welcome pack or printed guest folder

• Kitchen noticeboard or near the boiler

• Link or PDF in your guest welcome email

If you work with a cleaner or manager, make sure they know where to find your certificate and what to do in case of a gas emergency.

What should go in my holiday let safety checklist?

A simple, clear checklist can be included in your changeover routine.

Suggested items:

• CP12 certificate renewal date

• Smoke alarm and CO alarm tested

• Fire extinguisher and fire blanket present

• Contact details for local Gas Safe engineer

• Details of appliance last service

Hosts can also include emergency contact numbers and test log sheets in both digital and physical formats.

What does gas safety cost in London?

CP12 costs vary across boroughs

Expect to pay more in boroughs like Kensington and Chelsea, Fulham, and South Hampstead due to demand and travel fees. The size of your property and number of appliances also affects cost.

Typical range: £60 to £145

High enforcement areas include:

• Harrow

• Hackney

• Westminster

• Ealing

• Wandsworth

These boroughs may also require licensing that mandates proof of valid gas certification. Always check with your local council.

Should I install a carbon monoxide alarm in an electric flat?

Yes. While CO alarms are legally required only for rooms with solid fuel appliances, they are recommended in all holiday lets. This includes properties with shared systems or flats above or below properties with gas installations.

To keep guests safe:

• Install CO alarms near sleeping areas

• Test the alarm after every guest stay

• Keep a written log of alarm checks in your property manual

For more on safety equipment, the HSE carbon monoxide guidance offers detailed advice.

How can I use my CP12 to improve guest trust?

Guests want to feel confident that your property is safe. Including details about your compliance efforts can help boost bookings.

Easy ways to show your safety commitment:

• Mention the valid CP12 in your Airbnb listing or photos

• Include it in your welcome guide and guest app

• Respond to guest messages with reassurance about gas safety and CO protection

Trust is one of the most important factors for repeat bookings and positive reviews. Your certificate is more than a requirement. It is a reason for guests to feel secure in your space.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and regional requirements can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional or certified Gas Safe registered engineer regarding your specific responsibilities as a landlord or short-term let host. We do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the content of this guide.