What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it is important to know your responsibilities when it comes to the safety of gas in your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy of the gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety audit. This should include all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good order and to give copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month before the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any coverage gaps and offer the most secure protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate An engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will perform a full examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may try to persuade them to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the checks done and what happens in the event they refuse to allow them access. If this isn't working the landlord could think about initiating the eviction process by serving a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being carried out. The record should be given to current tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original record for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are checked annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. The document is an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, however it is recommended that they are stored online to minimize paper waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that in the event tenants refuse access, the landlord must adopt reasonable measures to gain access and complete the check. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to give access the landlord should think about initiating the process of expulsion. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to making this decision because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is accountable to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This is true regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any other person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to determine if a landlord has hired an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but you should consult with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for the people who reside there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been tested and deemed to be safe by an accredited gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks should be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord is also required to give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the conclusion of any checks. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form before they move into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term leases such as student housing or holiday cottages. It would be recommended to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must fix them in the shortest time possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the rules for landlords and gas safety inspections are very strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an extensive inspection and issue a CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we offer an same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our site today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances including flues and pipework, as well as any fixtures and fittings which utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that all is in good order and up-to-date. They will test the flues and gas appliances, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is topped up.
how to get gas safety certificate 's a good idea provide your tenants with an original copy of the gas safety report after the inspection and test was completed. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. Keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property as well as the safety checks involved. If the tenant refuses to give you access, you may be considering an Section 21 eviction.
When you buy an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need to complete it. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you should you want to change your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords check out the Hometree website. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.