{
  "lastUpdated": "2026-09-13",
  "jurisdiction": "England",
  "reviewed": "2026-09-13",
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "what-is-cp12",
      "question": "What is a CP12?",
      "answer": "CP12 is the common name for a landlord gas safety record. In England a landlord must have gas appliances, flues and pipework checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer and give tenants a copy of the record.",
      "topic": "gas-safety",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gas-safety-advice-for-landlords",
        "https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "gas-certificate-duration",
      "question": "How long does a gas safety certificate last?",
      "answer": "A landlord gas safety record is valid for 12 months from the date of the check. A new inspection is required before it expires.",
      "topic": "gas-safety",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "who-needs-gas-certificate",
      "question": "Who needs a gas safety certificate?",
      "answer": "Landlords of rented residential property in England with gas appliances must arrange an annual Gas Safe inspection. Homeowners selling a property or commercial operators may also need a current gas safety record.",
      "topic": "gas-safety",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "what-is-eicr",
      "question": "What is an EICR?",
      "answer": "An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation. It records defects using codes C1, C2, C3 and FI and states whether the installation is satisfactory.",
      "topic": "electrical-safety",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eicr-codes",
      "question": "What do EICR codes C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?",
      "answer": "C1 is danger present and needs immediate action. C2 is potentially dangerous. C3 is improvement recommended. FI is further investigation required. C1 and C2 typically make the report unsatisfactory until remedied.",
      "topic": "electrical-safety",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eicr-frequency",
      "question": "How often do landlords need an EICR?",
      "answer": "In England, private landlords must have an EICR at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so, and supply it to tenants.",
      "topic": "electrical-safety",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "what-is-cp42",
      "question": "What is a CP42?",
      "answer": "CP42 is the common name used for commercial catering gas safety certification covering kitchen appliances, pipework and ventilation used in food businesses.",
      "topic": "commercial-gas",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/index.htm"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "lpg-mobile-catering",
      "question": "Do LPG catering trailers need a certificate?",
      "answer": "Mobile and outdoor catering that uses LPG cylinders or tanks should be inspected by a competent Gas Safe engineer. Safety Certificate lists residential LPG from £150 and commercial LPG from £250.",
      "topic": "lpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "landlord-checklist",
      "question": "What certificates do London landlords typically need?",
      "answer": "Most private landlords in England need a current gas safety record (annual), an EICR (at least every five years), and an EPC when letting. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are also required. Commercial or HMO properties may need extra fire and emergency lighting checks.",
      "topic": "landlord-compliance",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "what-is-epc",
      "question": "What is an EPC?",
      "answer": "An Energy Performance Certificate rates how efficiently a building uses energy. In England it is required when a property is sold or let. Safety Certificate lists residential EPCs from £69 and commercial from £150.",
      "topic": "epc",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "what-is-pat",
      "question": "What is PAT testing?",
      "answer": "PAT testing checks portable electrical appliances. It does not replace an EICR of the fixed installation. Published prices start at £59 for a residential set of 1–20 items.",
      "topic": "pat-testing",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/faq-portable-appliance-testing.htm"
      ]
    }
  ]
}