By law, only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally work on gas appliances, fittings, and flues in the UK. Using an unregistered engineer is a criminal offence that puts lives at risk, invalidates insurance, and can result in prosecution for both the engineer and the property owner.
Do you know if your engineer is Gas Safe registered?
Let's make sure you're protected.
What is Gas Safe Register?
Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas appliances, fittings, and flues in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). Northern Ireland uses a separate register called the Gas Safe Register NI.
Key facts:
- Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI in 2009
- Maintained by Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Ltd
- Covers over 130,000 registered engineers
- Engineers must renew registration annually
- Each engineer has specific qualifications for different types of work
Gas Safe registration is not optional or a "nice to have" qualification. It's a legal requirement backed by criminal law. Anyone working on gas appliances without registration is breaking the law, and so are you if you knowingly employ them.
Why must you use a Gas Safe registered engineer?
Legal requirements
By law:
- Only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally work on gas appliances
- Only Gas Safe registered engineers can issue valid CP12 certificates
- Using unregistered engineers is a criminal offence under Gas Safety Regulations 1998
- Both the engineer AND the person employing them can be prosecuted
Penalties for using unregistered engineers:
- Unlimited fines
- Up to 6 months imprisonment (summary conviction)
- Up to 2 years imprisonment (conviction on indictment)
- Criminal record
Safety reasons
Gas Safe registration ensures the engineer:
- Has been properly trained and assessed
- Understands gas safety regulations
- Knows how to identify dangerous situations
- Can work safely on specific appliance types
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge through annual renewal
Risks of unregistered engineers:
- Carbon monoxide leaks (potentially fatal)
- Gas leaks and explosions
- Fires from faulty installations
- Appliances that fail prematurely
- Dangerous modifications that create hazards
Insurance implications
Using unregistered engineers:
- Invalidates your home or landlord insurance
- Claims for gas-related incidents will be refused
- You become personally liable for all damages and injuries
- Can affect mortgage validity if property becomes uninsurable
Even if someone seems competent, has years of experience, or offers a cheaper price, if they're not Gas Safe registered, they cannot legally touch your gas appliances. The risks - criminal prosecution, voided insurance, and potential fatalities - far outweigh any perceived savings.
How to find a Gas Safe registered engineer
Official Gas Safe Register website
The most reliable method is to use the official Gas Safe Register website.
Steps:
- Visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk
- Click "Find an Engineer"
- Enter your postcode
- Select the type of work you need (e.g., "Boiler servicing", "Gas safety check")
- Browse results showing registered engineers in your area
Information provided:
- Engineer or business name
- Gas Safe registration number
- Contact details (phone, email, website)
- Types of gas work they're qualified to do
- Registration expiry date
Gas Safe Register telephone service
You can verify an engineer by phone:
Contact: 0800 408 5500 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm
Provide:
- The engineer's name and/or registration number
- Your postcode (to confirm they work in your area)
The operator will confirm if the engineer is currently registered and what types of work they're qualified for.
Recommendations and referrals
Good sources:
- Friends and family who've had gas work done recently
- Landlord forums and local property groups
- Your letting agent or property manager
- Boiler manufacturers (often have approved installer networks)
Always verify registration even when someone is recommended. Registrations expire, so a previously registered engineer may no longer be current.
Local business directories and online platforms
Where to look:
- Checkatrade, TrustATrader, Rated People
- Google My Business reviews
- Which? Trusted Traders
- Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor
Red flags on these platforms:
- No mention of Gas Safe registration
- Registration number not provided
- Negative reviews mentioning registration issues
- "Cheaper than registered engineers" claims
Finding Engineers: Official vs Other Sources
Gas Safe Register Website
Recommended- •100% verified current registration
- •Shows exact qualifications
- •Displays expiry dates
- •Free to use
- •Most reliable source
- •May not show reviews or pricing
Review Sites & Recommendations
- •Shows customer reviews and ratings
- •Often includes pricing information
- •May show photos of work completed
- •More personal recommendations
- •Must still verify Gas Safe registration
- •Registration status may be outdated
Bottom line: Use the Gas Safe Register website to verify registration and qualifications, then check review sites for customer feedback and pricing. Combine both approaches for best results.
Verifying an engineer's registration
Never take someone's word that they're Gas Safe registered. Always verify before allowing any work to begin.
Check the Gas Safe ID card
Every Gas Safe registered engineer must carry an ID card at all times when working on gas.
What to check:
Front of card:
- Photo - does it match the person?
- Name - matches the person and booking details?
- Gas Safe licence number - note this down
- Company name (if working for a company)
- Expiry date - is the card current?
Back of card: 6. Categories of work - lists specific types of gas work they're qualified for (CCN1, CENWAT, etc.) 7. Appliance types - what they can work on (boilers, cookers, etc.)
If an engineer refuses to show their Gas Safe ID card, or claims they "left it at home" or "lost it", do not let them work on your gas appliances. A registered engineer will always have their card and be happy to show it.
Understanding Gas Safe qualification codes
Engineers aren't qualified to work on all types of gas appliances. They have specific qualifications shown by codes on their ID card.
Common qualification codes:
CCN1 - Core gas safety (all engineers must have this) CENWAT - Central heating and hot water boilers CKR1 - Cookers HTR1 - Gas fires and heaters DAH1 - Ducted air heaters LAU1 - Leisure accommodation (caravans, boats) CIGA1 - Meters MET1-3 - Various meter types TPCP1A - LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
Example: If you need a boiler serviced, the engineer must have CCN1 and CENWAT qualifications. If they only have CCN1 and CKR1, they can work on cookers but not boilers.
Online verification
Before the engineer arrives:
- Go to GasSafeRegister.co.uk
- Click "Check an Engineer"
- Enter their licence number or name
- Verify their registration is current
- Check they're qualified for your type of work
What you'll see:
- Registration status (current or expired)
- Expiry date
- Types of gas work they're approved for
- Business details and contact information
When to verify
Always verify:
- Before booking (during initial contact)
- When the engineer arrives (check physical ID card)
- If you have any doubts during the work
- If the engineer has changed since booking (replacement engineer)
Verification takes less than 5 minutes but could save your life and prevent criminal liability. Make it a non-negotiable part of any gas work on your property.
Questions to ask when hiring a Gas Safe engineer
Essential questions
About registration and qualifications:
- "Can I see your Gas Safe ID card?"
- "What's your Gas Safe licence number?"
- "Are you qualified to work on [specific appliance type]?"
- "When does your Gas Safe registration expire?"
About the work: 5. "Can you provide a written quote before starting?" 6. "Will you issue a CP12 certificate?" (for landlord gas safety checks) 7. "Do you provide a guarantee for your work?" 8. "Are you insured for gas work?"
About logistics: 9. "How soon can you carry out the work?" 10. "How long will the work take?" 11. "Will you clean up afterwards?" 12. "What payment methods do you accept?"
Red flags to watch for
Avoid engineers who:
- Refuse to show Gas Safe ID card
- Can't provide a Gas Safe licence number
- Say registration "doesn't matter for small jobs"
- Offer much lower prices than competitors
- Pressure you to book immediately without verification
- Suggest paying cash to "avoid VAT"
- Claim they "used to be registered" but let it lapse
- Say they're "waiting for their card to arrive"
If an engineer displays any of these red flags, do not hire them. Report unregistered gas work to Gas Safe Register (0800 408 5500) and to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
What to expect from a Gas Safe registered engineer
Professional standards
A professional Gas Safe engineer will:
Before starting work:
- Show their Gas Safe ID card without being asked
- Provide a clear written quote
- Explain what work they'll be doing
- Advise on any potential issues
- Cover their shoes or wear protective footwear
During the work:
- Work methodically and safely
- Use proper tools and equipment
- Test their work thoroughly
- Keep the work area clean
- Explain any issues they find
After completing work:
- Test all appliances to ensure safe operation
- Provide documentation (CP12 certificate for landlord checks, warranty cards for installations)
- Explain any recommendations or concerns
- Clean up and remove debris
- Provide invoice with clear breakdown
Documentation you should receive
For landlord gas safety checks:
- Landlord Gas Safety Record (CP12 certificate)
- Warning notices for any At Risk or Immediately Dangerous appliances
- Recommendations for maintenance or upgrades
For installations:
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (for new installations)
- Manufacturer's warranty registration
- User manuals and instructions
- Invoice with full breakdown
For servicing/repairs:
- Service report or checklist
- Details of any parts replaced
- Recommendations for future maintenance
- Invoice
Typical Timeline for Hiring a Gas Safe Engineer
Contact engineer, verify Gas Safe registration online, request quote
Review written quote, confirm qualifications match your needs
Schedule convenient time (peak periods may require longer wait)
Verify physical Gas Safe ID card before work begins
Engineer completes inspection/service/repair (typically 30-90 minutes)
Get certificate, recommendations, and invoice
Costs and pricing
Understanding typical costs helps you identify fair pricing and spot suspiciously cheap quotes that might indicate unregistered engineers.
Typical costs for common services
Gas safety inspection (CP12):
- Standard property: £60-90
- Large property or multiple appliances: £90-150
- HMO or commercial: £120-200+
Boiler service:
- Annual service: £80-120
- Combined with CP12: £120-180 (often better value)
Repairs:
- Minor repair (e.g., replace thermocouple): £80-150
- Major repair (e.g., heat exchanger): £300-600
- Emergency callout: Add £50-100
Installations:
- New boiler installation: £2,000-4,000
- Gas cooker installation: £150-300
- Gas fire installation: £500-1,500
Geographic variations:
- London and South East: 20-40% higher
- Rural areas: May include travel charges
- Northern regions: Generally lower rates
Warning signs of suspiciously cheap quotes
Be cautious if:
- Prices are 50%+ below market rates
- Engineer offers cash discount for "no paperwork"
- Quote doesn't include VAT (registered businesses should charge VAT)
- No breakdown of costs provided
- Pressure to pay upfront before work begins
Gas Safety Work Cost Guide
Estimate typical costs for common gas safety work. Actual prices vary by region, property complexity, and engineer experience.
London and South East England typically 20-40% higher. Prices exclude parts and materials. Always get written quotes before work begins.
Building a relationship with your engineer
Benefits of using the same engineer
For landlords and property managers:
- Familiarity with your properties and appliances
- Easier scheduling (can book annual slots in advance)
- Often better rates for regular customers
- Faster service (engineer knows your property history)
- Builds trust and accountability
For homeowners:
- Engineer knows your boiler and system
- Continuity of maintenance records
- May offer loyalty discounts
- Quicker to identify recurring issues
- Easier to book appointments
What to look for in a long-term engineer
Essential qualities:
- Reliable and punctual
- Communicative and professional
- Transparent about costs
- Thorough in their work
- Responsive to queries
- Carries comprehensive insurance
- Provides clear documentation
Nice to have:
- Emergency callout availability
- Online booking system
- Email or text appointment reminders
- Digital certificate delivery
- Multi-property discounts (for landlords)
Maintaining the relationship
Good practices:
- Book annual appointments in advance
- Pay invoices promptly
- Provide honest feedback
- Refer them to others if satisfied
- Be available for appointments
- Keep their contact details safe
A good Gas Safe engineer is worth their weight in gold. Once you find someone reliable, professional, and fairly priced, maintain that relationship. Many issues can be prevented with consistent, familiar maintenance.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you discover the engineer wasn't Gas Safe registered
Immediate actions:
- Stop using gas appliances - they may be unsafe
- Contact a registered Gas Safe engineer - get appliances checked immediately
- Document everything - keep records of work done and payments made
- Report to Gas Safe Register - call 0800 408 5500
- Report to HSE - contact the Health and Safety Executive
- Contact your insurance - inform them of the situation
Potential consequences:
- You may need all work re-done at your expense
- Insurance may be invalid
- You could face prosecution (especially landlords)
- Any CP12 certificates issued are invalid
If work appears substandard or unsafe
Warning signs:
- Gas smell after work completed
- Appliances not working properly
- Visible damage or poor workmanship
- Warning lights or error codes
- Engineer didn't test thoroughly
Steps to take:
- Stop using the appliance
- Contact the engineer - give them opportunity to fix issues
- Get a second opinion - ask another Gas Safe engineer to inspect
- Document problems - take photos and notes
- Report to Gas Safe Register if safety concerns (0800 408 5500)
- Consider formal complaint if engineer refuses to address issues
If an engineer claims registration but you can't verify it
Do not let them proceed with work if:
- Their name/number doesn't appear on Gas Safe Register website
- Their ID card is expired
- They claim "database is out of date"
- They can't produce an ID card
Actions:
- Refuse the work - politely but firmly
- Report to Gas Safe Register (0800 408 5500)
- Report to Trading Standards if they're advertising falsely
- Find a verified registered engineer
Do not worry about being rude or awkward by refusing to let an engineer work. Your safety, legal compliance, and insurance validity are at stake. A genuine registered engineer will understand and respect your diligence.
Reporting illegal gas work
Why reporting matters
Reporting unregistered gas engineers:
- Protects future customers from danger
- Helps enforcement agencies take action
- Reduces illegal gas work in your area
- May prevent fatalities from unsafe installations
How to report
Gas Safe Register:
- Phone: 0800 408 5500
- Online: GasSafeRegister.co.uk/report-illegal-gas-work
- Information needed: Engineer name, contact details, address where work was done, description of work
Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
- Online: www.hse.gov.uk/contact/concerns.htm
- Phone: 0300 003 1647
- Responsible for enforcing gas safety regulations
Trading Standards:
- Via Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133
- For false advertising of Gas Safe registration
Police:
- Call 101 for non-emergency reporting
- Call 999 if immediate danger
What happens after reporting
- Investigation - Gas Safe Register or HSE investigates
- Inspection - May inspect work done
- Enforcement action - Warnings, prohibition notices, or prosecution
- Prosecution - Criminal charges if warranted
Your role:
- Provide evidence (invoices, photos, correspondence)
- May be asked for statement
- Updates on case progress (if you request them)
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely. Go to GasSafeRegister.co.uk, use the 'Check an Engineer' tool, and enter their licence number or name. You should do this before booking, and then verify their physical ID card when they arrive. This double-check ensures you're fully protected.
Do not allow them to work on your gas appliances. An expired card means they're not currently registered and cannot legally work on gas. Ask them to update their registration and come back once it's current, or find another registered engineer. Check online if you're unsure - the website is always up to date.
No. Plumbing and gas work require different qualifications. A plumber may work on water systems without being Gas Safe registered. However, if they're doing any work involving gas appliances, pipes, or fittings, they must be Gas Safe registered. Always verify registration before any gas work.
Initial training costs £1,000-3,000 depending on qualifications. Annual renewal fees are around £300-400. This is why Gas Safe engineers charge professional rates - they've invested significantly in qualifications and must maintain them annually. Be suspicious of very cheap engineers who claim to be registered.
No. Engineers have specific qualifications for different appliance types. Check the back of their ID card - it lists exactly what they're qualified to work on (boilers, cookers, fires, etc.). An engineer qualified for boilers might not be qualified for gas fires. Always verify they're qualified for your specific appliance.
Report them immediately to Gas Safe Register (0800 408 5500) and the police if appropriate. Get any gas work they did checked by a registered engineer. You're unlikely to recover your money, but reporting helps prevent them harming others. You may be able to pursue them through small claims court, but focus first on safety.
Yes. Any work on gas appliances requires Gas Safe registration, including inspections, servicing, repairs, installations, and issuing CP12 certificates. There's no exemption for 'just looking' - if they're working on or near gas appliances in a professional capacity, they must be registered.
Use the Gas Safe Register website's 'Find an Engineer' tool and filter for those offering emergency services. Many engineers advertise 24/7 callouts. Always verify registration even in emergencies - it only takes 2 minutes online or by phone (0800 408 5500). If you smell gas, evacuate and call the National Gas Emergency Service (0800 111 999) first.
Yes, as long as they're registered and qualified for your type of work. However, local engineers are often preferable - they're more familiar with local property types, can respond faster for emergencies, and travel costs are lower. For landlords with multiple properties, using one engineer across all properties (even if slightly further away) can build valuable consistency.
CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) was the previous gas registration body, replaced by Gas Safe Register in 2009. Any engineer claiming to be 'CORGI registered' is using outdated terminology - they should now be Gas Safe registered. If someone only mentions CORGI, verify their current Gas Safe registration as their qualifications may have lapsed.
Next steps
Understand what happens during a gas safety inspection:
Gas Safety Inspection: What to Expect →
Learn about your responsibilities as a landlord:
Landlord Gas Safety Obligations →
Understand the certificate you'll receive:
Gas Safety Certificate Explained →
Ready to book a Gas Safe registered engineer? We can connect you with qualified, verified professionals in your area for inspections, servicing, repairs, and installations.
Related articles:
Useful resources:
- Gas Safe Register official website
- Gas Safe Register phone: 0800 408 5500
- Report illegal gas work: 0800 408 5500
- Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
Tools: