Verify registration, identity-card details and appliance categories before gas work, then check that the landlord safety record is complete and traceable. This guide is written for practical decision-making and links to the sources used for verification.
Registration must match the work
Landlords must use a Gas Safe registered engineer for maintenance and safety checks on gas equipment they own and provide for tenants. Registration alone is not the final check: HSE advises confirming that the individual engineer is competent for the specific category of gas work being undertaken, such as boilers, cookers or fires.
Ask the business for its Gas Safe registration details when booking and the attending engineer's licence number where available. Use the official Gas Safe Register Find an Engineer or Check an Engineer service, rather than relying on a van logo, marketplace profile or an image of a certificate supplied through an unverified message.
- Confirm the registered business
- Confirm the individual attending
- Check the relevant appliance and fuel categories
- Match the engineer to the appointment address and scope
Check the identity card at the door
HSE explains that the front of the engineer's Gas Safe identity card carries their photograph, registration or licence number and expiry date. The reverse shows the categories of work the engineer is qualified to undertake. Compare the photograph with the person attending and make sure the card is current.
You can enter the licence number into the official Check an Engineer service to view registration and qualification details. If the person, number, expiry or work category does not match, pause the appointment and contact the registered business or Gas Safe Register using independently obtained contact details. Do not allow pressure about time or access to override the check.
- Front: photograph, licence number and expiry date
- Back: permitted categories of gas work
- Online: engineer image and current qualifications
- Booking: business details consistent with the engineer
Make verification part of portfolio controls
Landlords and managing agents should record who was booked, which registered business accepted the instruction and which appliances were included. For multi-property programmes, repeat the check when a different engineer attends; business registration does not mean every employee holds every work category.
Give tenants enough information to identify the expected visitor without circulating unnecessary personal data. Ask them to request the card before access and provide a trusted office contact if anything does not match. This simple process supports safeguarding as well as technical compliance.
Check the completed safety record
After the visit, review the property address, appliance and flue list, check results, defects, remedial action, check date and engineer identification. HSE states that landlords must retain the gas safety record for two years, give an existing tenant a copy within 28 days and provide a current record to a new tenant before occupation.
The record should be issued when the check is completed even if defects are found; keep evidence of follow-up work with it. A landlord gas safety check is also distinct from ongoing maintenance and appliance servicing. CertifyEPC coordinates the visit and digital record while the registered engineer remains responsible for the technical inspection.
Research and verification
Authoritative sources
Use these primary and specialist sources to check the current rule and read further.
Requirements can change and unusual properties may need specialist advice. Check the latest official source and the facts of the property before relying on a compliance conclusion.
