What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's important to understand your responsibilities in relation to the gas safety of your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. You should also give a copy of your gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner after an inspection to ensure safety. The document should contain all information about the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that these items are in good condition and to give copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This will help them avoid any gaps in coverage and provide the best security for their tenants.
In order to obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the house. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency control. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct work needed in order to bring them back up to standards and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord to in, the landlord can attempt to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they do not allow them to enter. If this doesn't work, the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being conducted. This must be provided to existing tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce the amount of waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. If a tenant does not admit access, the law states that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain entry to carry out the check. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. You can also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework, appliances and flues that they own and provide to tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone else who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should collaborate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is crucial to know who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency in advance to be certain that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for those living there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been checked and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted every year, and that copies of the certificates are given to tenants. The checks must be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the completion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move into.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let out for a brief duration, such as the student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he should make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This could involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations and is prosecuted, they could be fined and face fines or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home, carry out a full inspection and provide you with a CP12 gas safety certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service in the event of an emergency. Call us or visit our site today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure all is in good order and up-to-date. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also check that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter has money on it.
It's a good idea give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and verification has been carried out. how often gas safety certificate must be given to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants prior to moving in. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents that you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property as well as the safety checks involved. If the tenant does not let you in then you might think about a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about scheduling it separately or when you will have to do it. You can be confident that our team will be available to assist you if you're looking to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about the coverage and how much you'll pay. Our guarantee of no price increase means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.