Reviewed on 15 October 2026. This revised archive guide covers domestic gas boilers in rented homes in England, Scotland and Wales.
Separate servicing from the safety check
A boiler service and a landlord’s gas safety check serve different purposes. HSE treats ongoing maintenance as a separate responsibility from keeping the safety-check record. When booking work, confirm what the engineer will inspect and which documents you will receive.
Follow the appliance manufacturer’s servicing instructions. If these are unavailable, HSE recommends annual servicing unless a Gas Safe registered engineer advises otherwise. The required annual gas safety check covers the relevant appliances and flues supplied for tenants’ use.
Use a qualified engineer
Gas maintenance, repairs and safety checks should be carried out by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not treat an appointment booking as proof that the work has been completed: retain the engineer’s findings and arrange any required follow-up.
HSE says defects identified at the safety check need prompt action. An appliance suspected of being unsafe must not be used until the problem has been remedied. This guide does not provide instructions for carrying out gas work yourself.
Keep the record and share it
Existing tenants must receive their gas safety record within 28 days of the check. New tenants need it before moving in. Keep records for at least two years; additional retention requirements apply when using the permitted early-check flexibility.
Keep servicing information alongside the safety record so that outstanding work is easy to identify. Before a new letting, check that appliances and flues are safe and that the safety record is current.
Plan access and follow-up
Agree appointments with tenants and keep a record of attempts to obtain access. HSE advises landlords not to force entry. If access remains difficult, seek advice on the appropriate next steps rather than assuming that an unanswered appointment ends your responsibilities.
Source: Health and Safety Executive landlord gas-safety guidance, checked 15 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.