Do You Need a Gas Safety Check in Edinburgh? Here’s What to Know

🔥 Do You Need a Gas Safety Check in Edinburgh? Here’s What to Know

If you’re a landlord or homeowner in Edinburgh, staying on top of your gas safety responsibilities is more than just good practice — it’s essential for keeping your property and its occupants safe. In many cases, it’s also a legal requirement.

Whether you’re renting out a property in Leith or own a family home in Morningside, here’s everything you need to know about gas safety checks — what they include, who needs one, and how to book one with a trusted local engineer.

🏠 What Is a Gas Safety Check?

A gas safety check is a formal inspection of all gas-powered appliances and installations in your home or rental property. It ensures that everything is operating correctly, safely, and efficiently, with no leaks or faults that could put people at risk.

These checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer — it’s illegal and dangerous to perform them yourself or use someone who isn’t certified.

During the visit, your engineer will examine all relevant appliances (like your boiler, gas cooker, fire, and flue systems) to make sure they meet UK safety standards.

📋 What Does a Gas Safety Check Include?

Here’s what to expect during a professional gas safety check in Edinburgh:

✅ Inspection of gas appliances — including boilers, cookers, and fires
✅ Testing of gas pressure and ensuring the correct air supply
✅ Checking flues and ventilation systems for blockages or damage
✅ Carbon monoxide (CO) leak detection and safety controls verification
✅ Confirming safety devices (like flame failure devices) are working properly
✅ Issuing a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) if everything passes inspection

The appointment usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of your property and the number of appliances.

🧾 Do I Legally Need One?

Yes — if you’re a landlord in Scotland, you're legally required to:

• Have a gas safety check carried out every 12 months
• Provide a copy of the certificate (CP12) to your tenants within 28 days
• Keep a copy of each certificate for at least 2 years

This is part of your duty of care under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and non-compliance can lead to hefty fines — or worse, endanger lives.

Homeowners: Should You Get One?

If you’re a homeowner, you’re not legally required to get a gas safety check every year — but it’s highly recommended, especially if:

• Your boiler is 10+ years old
• You’ve recently moved in and aren’t sure when the last check happened
• You notice signs of trouble (e.g., strange smells, noises, yellow flames, or headaches indoors)

Routine inspections catch problems early and give you peace of mind that your family is safe.

🧑‍🔧 Why Choose a Local Gas Engineer in Edinburgh?

At Able Girl Plumbing, we’re proud to offer Gas Safe registered inspections across Edinburgh and Midlothian. From cosy tenements in Marchmont to student lets in Newington, we’ve carried out hundreds of gas safety checks for landlords and homeowners alike.

Here’s why working with a local engineer makes all the difference:

• Faster response times (no long waitlists or call centre runarounds)
• Understanding of Edinburgh property types, including historic buildings and flats with shared flues
• Flexible appointments to fit around you or your tenants’ schedules
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprise call-out charges

We’re happy to guide you through the process if you’re unsure what’s needed, and we can combine your check with boiler servicing, CO alarm installation, or other heating maintenance.

🧠 What’s the Difference Between a Gas Safety Check and a Boiler Service?

It’s a great question — and one we hear often. While both are important, they serve different purposes:

• Legal Requirement:
  A Gas Safety Check is legally required for landlords every 12 months. A Boiler Service isn’t mandatory by law, but it's highly recommended to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
• What They Cover:
  A Gas Safety Check includes all gas appliances in the property — such as your boiler, cooker, gas fire, and flues. A Boiler Service, on the other hand, focuses solely on the boiler itself.
• Cleaning and Maintenance:
  A Boiler Service involves cleaning internal parts, checking for wear and tear, and ensuring the boiler operates efficiently. A Gas Safety Check is more of an inspection and doesn’t typically include cleaning.
• Certificates:
  If the gas safety inspection passes, you'll receive a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12). A boiler service may come with a report or checklist, but doesn’t issue a legal certificate.
• How Often?
  Both should be carried out once every 12 months. Many landlords and homeowners choose to combine the two in a single visit — especially before winter sets in.

For full peace of mind, we recommend booking both a gas safety check and boiler service together, particularly ahead of colder months when heating becomes essential.

🆘 Signs You May Need an Inspection Sooner

Even if you’re not due for a check, call a Gas Safe engineer immediately if you notice:

• Sooty or yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones
• Unusual smells (even slight gas odours)
• Pilot lights going out regularly
• Stuffy air or condensation near gas appliances
• Symptoms of CO poisoning (headaches, nausea, confusion)

Don't wait — carbon monoxide is odourless and deadly, and a quick inspection could save lives.

✅ Stay Safe, Stay Legal

Keeping your gas systems in check isn't just about ticking a legal box — it’s about protecting your tenants, your family, and your property from real and potentially fatal risks.

Whether you’re a landlord due for your annual CP12, or a homeowner looking for peace of mind this winter, Able Girl Plumbing is here to help.

We’re fully certified, fully insured, and fully committed to honest, reliable service across Edinburgh.