Gas Safety Certificate vs Boiler Service: What's the Actual Difference?
The most common confusion we deal with — and why landlords in particular need to understand it.
This is the single most common misunderstanding we come across, especially with landlords, and it's worth clearing up plainly.
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Confirms every gas appliance and pipe run in the property is safe on the day of the check — gas tightness, burner pressure, flue performance, ventilation. It's a legal requirement for every rented property, renewed annually.
Boiler Service
Cleans, tests and adjusts the boiler to keep it running efficiently and protects the manufacturer's warranty — most warranties are void without documented annual servicing. A service is not a legal requirement for homeowners, but it is what most warranty claims actually hinge on.
Why the difference matters
A safety check tells you the boiler's safe today. It doesn't tell you it'll still be running well in six months, and it doesn't protect a warranty claim. Landlords legally need the certificate and are strongly advised to have both — most book them together in one visit, which also saves a second tenant appointment.