For landlords

What are the penalties for not having a landlord gas safety certificate?

Failing to meet the landlord gas safety duties is a criminal offence. The HSE can issue a formal caution or prosecute, with penalties of an unlimited fine and, in serious cases, imprisonment. In England a landlord who never gave a valid gas safety record also cannot serve a Section 21 eviction notice.

Reviewed by Jordan Valentine-Dunn, Gas Safe registered engineer · Portsmouth Gas Heating · Last reviewed July 2026

Failing to comply with the landlord gas safety duties is a criminal offence, and the HSE treats gas safety as a high priority. Depending on the case, the HSE can issue a formal caution or bring a prosecution, and the penalties can be serious.

Fines and imprisonment

An unlimited fine, and in serious cases imprisonment: up to six months on summary conviction, or up to two years in the Crown Court.
Local councils can issue civil penalties too, for example up to £5,000 for failing to comply with a remedial notice, and up to £30,000 in some cases.

The knock-on consequences

The costs aren't only criminal. In England, a landlord who never provided the tenant with a valid gas safety record cannot serve a Section 21 no-fault eviction notice. An out-of-date record can also complicate an insurance claim. Keeping every check current is far cheaper than any of these outcomes, and this guide is general information rather than legal advice.

Frequently asked

Can a landlord go to prison for not having a gas safety certificate?

In serious cases, yes. As well as an unlimited fine, non-compliance can carry imprisonment: up to six months on summary conviction and up to two years in the Crown Court. Most cases turn on the circumstances and any harm caused.

How much can a landlord be fined?

Fines from the courts are unlimited. Separately, local councils can issue civil penalties, for example up to £5,000 for failing to comply with a remedial notice and up to £30,000 in some cases.

Does not having a gas certificate affect eviction?

In England, a landlord who never gave the tenant a valid gas safety record cannot serve a Section 21 no-fault eviction notice. It can also complicate an insurance claim, so the consequences reach beyond fines.

Sources

Last reviewed July 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or safety advice, gas safety work must be carried out by an appropriately Gas Safe registered engineer. Rules can change, so check the linked official sources for the current position.

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