Gas Compliance Certificates: What Australian Homeowners Need to Know

Your gasfitter finishes connecting a new cooktop and hands you an invoice. But where is the gas compliance certificate? Without one, your gas supplier can refuse to connect supply, your insurer can reject a claim, and that shiny new appliance is sitting on top of uncertified work that could block a future property sale.

A gas compliance certificate is the single most important document you receive after any gas work on your home. With over 5,293 licensed gasfitters in Queensland alone listed on TradieVerify, plus hundreds more across NSW and the ACT, finding a qualified professional to do the work is straightforward. Understanding what the certificate means, when you need one, and what has changed in 2025 and 2026 is the part most homeowners get wrong.

This guide explains gas compliance certificates across every Australian state and territory, with a focus on Queensland where recent digital changes have overhauled the entire system.

What Is a Gas Compliance Certificate?

A gas compliance certificate is an official document issued by a licensed gasfitter after installing, altering, or extending a gas system. It declares that the work complies with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 (the Australian Standard for gas installations) and all relevant state legislation.

The certificate covers three things:

• Safety. The gasfitter has tested the system for gas leaks, checked ventilation, verified clearances, and confirmed that every connection is gas-tight.
• Compliance. The installation meets the Australian Standard and the requirements of your state’s gas safety regulator.
• Record. The certificate creates a permanent paper trail linking the work to a specific licensed gasfitter, making them accountable.

In simple terms, it is proof that the gas work on your home was done properly by someone qualified to do it. Every state and territory in Australia requires one after gas work, though they call it by slightly different names and use different lodgement systems.

When Do You Need a Gas Compliance Certificate?

You need a gas compliance certificate any time a licensed gasfitter performs work on your gas system. This includes:

• New gas appliance installation (cooktop, oven, hot water system, heater, BBQ bayonet)
• Replacing an existing gas appliance with a new model
• Altering or extending gas piping (adding a new gas point, relocating a pipe run)
• Converting an appliance from natural gas to LPG or vice versa
• Connecting or disconnecting gas supply to a property
• Service and repair work (in some states, only above a dollar threshold)

You also need a current gas compliance certificate in these common situations:

Selling a property. Gas suppliers are required to do a compliance check every time there is a change of ownership. If your gas system does not have a current certificate, the buyer or their conveyancer will flag it. Getting this sorted before listing is far cheaper and less stressful than dealing with it during settlement. As one Queensland real estate agency puts it, sellers should do a check before they list and fix any problems rather than leaving it for the buyer.

Renting out a property. Landlords must ensure gas installations are safe and compliant. A current gas compliance certificate is your evidence that the system has been inspected and certified by a licensed gasfitter. Check our guide to required trade inspections when renting out your property for more detail.

Insurance claims. If a gas-related incident causes damage and the work was not certified, your insurer can refuse the claim. A valid gas compliance certificate proves the installation was done by a licensed professional to the Australian Standard.

How Your Gasfitter Issues a Gas Compliance Certificate

The process is the same in every state, though the paperwork differs:

1. The gasfitter completes the work. This includes all installation, connection, testing, and commissioning.
2. They test the system. Pressure testing confirms the pipework is gas-tight. Appliance checks confirm correct operation, flue performance, and ventilation.
3. They issue the certificate. The gasfitter fills out the compliance certificate (now digital in most states) declaring the work meets AS/NZS 5601.1:2022.
4. They lodge the certificate. In most states, the gasfitter must lodge the certificate with the relevant regulator within 5 business days.
5. You receive a copy. The gasfitter must give you a copy of the completed certificate. Keep it with your property records.

You do not issue the certificate yourself. Only a licensed gasfitter (or in Queensland, a holder of a Gas Work Authorisation) can legally issue a gas compliance certificate. If a tradesperson does gas work and does not hand you a certificate, something is wrong. Either they are not licensed, they have not completed the required testing, or they are cutting corners.

Use TradieVerify’s gasfitter search to verify that your gasfitter holds a current licence before they start work.

Queensland: The 2025-2026 Digital Overhaul

Queensland has the most active gas compliance certificate search traffic in Australia, and for good reason. The state has undergone major changes to its compliance system over the past 12 months.

What changed in July 2025

• E-certificates launched. RSHQ introduced electronic gas system compliance certificates, replacing the old hard copy books.
• Compliance plates removed. Most installations no longer require a physical compliance plate to be attached. Caravans are the exception.
• Free initial allocation. All eligible gas fitters received 10 free e-certificates to start the transition.

What changed in January-February 2026

• Hard copy books invalid. From 1 January 2026, gasfitters can no longer use hard copy compliance certificate books. All certificates must be electronic.
• RSHQ Portal launched. From 3 February 2026, all gas system compliance certificates, defect notices, and inspection certificates must be issued through the new RSHQ Portal. The portal automatically stores a record of the work.

Who can issue certificates in QLD

Queensland has a unique dual licensing system. Your gasfitter needs both:

1. A QBCC gasfitting licence (business/contractor licence from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission)
2. An RSHQ gas work licence or authorisation (occupational licence from Resources Safety and Health Queensland)

Only holders of a Gas Work Authorisation (GWA) can issue gas compliance certificates. A gasfitter with just a Gas Work Licence (GWL) can do the work but cannot certify it. This catches many homeowners off guard. Always confirm your gasfitter holds a GWA, not just a GWL.

For a full breakdown of QLD gasfitting licences, see our guide on how to hire a licensed gasfitter in Queensland.

QLD penalties

Performing gas work without the required RSHQ licence carries penalties under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004. In one case, the Maroochydore Magistrates Court issued a $7,000 fine for unlicensed gas work that caused an explosion and serious burns.

State-by-State Gas Compliance Certificate Requirements

Every state and territory requires a gas compliance certificate after gas work. Here is how each jurisdiction handles it.

NSW specifics

NSW uses two certificate types. A Certificate of Compliance is required when the gas installation is connected to a gas network (natural gas or reticulated LPG). A Certificate of Inspection is required when the installation uses bottled LPG or is not connected to a network. In both cases, the gasfitter must lodge the certificate within 5 business days and retain a copy for 5 years.

From 1 March 2026, NSW gasfitters must submit all certificates via the BCNSW eCert portal. The older MyInspections gateway will no longer be accepted.

VIC specifics

Victoria requires a BPC Compliance Certificate for all standard gas installations in domestic and light commercial premises. The gasfitter must lodge it with the Building and Plumbing Commission within 5 days and give you a copy.

An important VIC detail: compliance certificates are required for service and repair work totalling $750 or more. Below that threshold, routine servicing may not generate a certificate. For complex gas installations and Type B appliances, a separate Energy Safe Victoria application for acceptance is required before gas can be connected.

Failure to lodge a compliance certificate is an offence under the Building Act 1993. For more on VIC plumbing and gas requirements, see our VIC plumber hiring guide.

WA specifics

Western Australia uses a two-part system: the gasfitter submits a Notice of Completion to Building and Energy (part of DEMIRS) and attaches a compliance badge to the gas meter or installation point. The badge is a small metal plate showing the gasfitter’s licence number, date, and type of work.

Gas Compliance Certificates vs Compliance Plates

This confuses many homeowners. They are two different things:

• Gas compliance certificate is the document (now digital) that records the details of the gas work, the testing results, and the gasfitter’s licence details. You keep this in your property records.
• Gas compliance plate is a physical metal plate attached near the gas meter or installation point. It shows the gasfitter’s licence number and the date the work was done.

In Queensland, compliance plates are no longer required for most residential installations as of July 2025 (caravans excepted). In other states, plates or badges may still be required. The certificate is always required everywhere.

How Much Does a Gas Compliance Certificate Cost?

The gas compliance certificate itself is not a separate line item you pay for. It is part of the cost of the gas work. When you hire a licensed gasfitter to install a cooktop or connect a gas hot water system, the certificate is included in their service.

However, there are situations where you need a standalone compliance inspection:

These are indicative ranges based on 2025-2026 pricing. Costs vary by location, number of appliances, pipe length, and complexity. Regional areas (such as Townsville or Rockhampton) may attract higher call-out fees than capital cities.

The certificate paperwork itself has no government fee for homeowners. In Queensland, RSHQ provides the e-certificate system at no cost to the gasfitter (the first 10 certificates were free, with subsequent bundles available at a nominal cost). The cost you pay is for the gasfitter’s time, expertise, and testing equipment.

Get quotes from licensed gasfitters in your area to compare pricing. Our guide on getting quotes from tradies explains how to compare quotes effectively.

What Happens if Gas Work Is Not Certified?

Skipping the gas compliance certificate creates real problems:

Your gas supplier can refuse connection. If you have new gas work done and the supplier does not receive a compliance certificate, they are within their rights to refuse to connect or reconnect gas supply to your property.

Your insurance is at risk. A gas fire or explosion caused by uncertified work gives your insurer grounds to deny the claim. The argument is straightforward: the work was not done to the standard because no certificate proves it was.

Property sales stall. Conveyancers and buyers routinely check for current gas compliance certificates during due diligence. Missing certificates can delay settlement or reduce the sale price as buyers factor in the cost of getting the system re-inspected and certified.

You have no recourse. If a gasfitter does substandard work and does not issue a certificate, tracing responsibility is harder. The certificate links a specific licensed gasfitter to specific work on a specific date, which is your evidence if something goes wrong.

Penalties for the gasfitter. In most states, failing to issue and lodge a compliance certificate is an offence. In Victoria, it is an offence under the Building Act 1993. In Queensland, the gasfitter faces penalties under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004.

Carbon Monoxide: Why Gas Compliance Matters

Gas compliance is not just paperwork. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from faulty gas appliances kills Australians every year.

CO is colourless and odourless. A poorly installed gas heater, a blocked flue, or an incorrectly ventilated appliance can fill a room with CO while you sleep. Symptoms start with headaches and nausea and progress to unconsciousness and death.

A gas compliance certificate confirms that your gasfitter tested for CO spillage, checked flue operation, verified ventilation clearances, and confirmed the appliance is operating safely. It is not bureaucracy. It is the record that someone qualified checked the things that keep your family alive.

If you have gas appliances that have not been serviced or inspected in more than two years, book a gas compliance check. This is especially important for:

• Open-flued gas heaters (the highest risk appliance for CO)
• Gas hot water systems in enclosed spaces
• Gas installations in rental properties
• Older homes with gas systems installed before current standards

How to Check Your Gasfitter’s Licence

Before any gas work begins, verify your gasfitter’s credentials:

1. Search TradieVerify. Use our gasfitter directory to look up the tradesperson by name or licence number. We have over 5,293 licensed gasfitters in QLD, plus listings in NSW and ACT.
2. Check the state regulator. In QLD, verify both the QBCC licence (at qbcc.qld.gov.au) and the RSHQ gas work licence. In NSW, use verify.licence.nsw.gov.au. In VIC, check with Energy Safe Victoria for gas-specific licensing and the BPC for general plumbing registration.
3. Ask for their Gas Work Authorisation (QLD). Remember, in Queensland only a GWA holder can issue gas compliance certificates. A gasfitter with just a GWL can do the work but cannot certify it.
4. Confirm insurance. Ask for evidence of current public liability insurance before work starts.

For a complete walkthrough, read our guide on how to check a tradesperson’s licence in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gas compliance certificate?

A gas compliance certificate is an official document issued by a licensed gasfitter after completing gas work on your property. It confirms that the installation complies with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 and all state safety regulations. The gasfitter must lodge it with your state’s gas safety regulator and give you a copy.

Do I need a gas compliance certificate when selling my house?

Yes. Gas suppliers conduct a compliance check on change of ownership, and buyers’ conveyancers routinely request gas compliance certificates during due diligence. Getting your gas system inspected and certified before listing avoids delays during settlement.

How much does a gas compliance certificate cost?

The certificate is included in the cost of standard gas work. If you need a standalone compliance inspection (for example, before selling), expect to pay $150 to $400 depending on the number of appliances and your location. There is no separate government fee for the certificate itself.

Can I do gas work myself and get a compliance certificate?

No. In every state and territory, all gas work must be performed by a licensed gasfitter. You cannot do gas work yourself and then ask a gasfitter to certify it. The gasfitter who issues the certificate must be the person who did the work.

What is the difference between a gas compliance certificate and a compliance plate?

The certificate is a document recording the details of the gas work, testing, and the gasfitter’s credentials. The compliance plate is a physical metal tag attached near the gas meter. In Queensland, compliance plates are no longer required for most residential installations as of July 2025.

What happens if my gasfitter does not give me a gas compliance certificate?

Ask for it. They are legally required to provide one. If they refuse or cannot produce a certificate, contact your state’s gas safety regulator (RSHQ in QLD, Building Commission NSW, Energy Safe Victoria, or the relevant body in your state). Failing to issue a certificate is an offence in most jurisdictions. You can also verify their licence on TradieVerify to confirm they are properly licensed.

Key Takeaways

• A gas compliance certificate is required after every gas installation, alteration, or extension in every state and territory.
• Only a licensed gasfitter can issue a gas compliance certificate. In QLD, they must hold a Gas Work Authorisation (GWA), not just a Gas Work Licence.
• Queensland has moved to fully digital e-certificates via the RSHQ Portal from February 2026. NSW follows with the BCNSW eCert portal from March 2026.
• Compliance plates are no longer required for most QLD residential installations as of July 2025.
• Expect to pay $150 to $400 for a standalone gas compliance inspection, or nothing extra when the certificate is part of a gas installation job.
• Missing certificates can block property sales, void insurance claims, and leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong.
• Always verify your gasfitter’s licence on TradieVerify and your state regulator’s portal before work begins.

Search for licensed gasfitters in your area on TradieVerify to find a qualified professional who can inspect your gas system and issue a valid gas compliance certificate.

Sources

1. Gas certificates, plates and notices - Business Queensland
2. Gas compliance requirements - NSW Government
3. Gasfitter compliance and regulatory obligations - NSW Government
4. Gas acceptance scheme - Energy Safe Victoria
5. RSHQ Fact Sheet: Paperless online e-certificates
6. RSHQ Fact Sheet: Changes to Gas Compliance Plate Requirements
7. AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 - Gas installations (Standards Australia)
8. Plumbing licences in Australia - TradieVerify