What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues at least once a year. Also, you must provide the gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after carrying out a safety check. The document should include all the details regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the 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 a new certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord gas safety certificate you must arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform a full inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct work needed in order to bring them up to standards and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord could attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the inspections to be conducted and what happens if they don't allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then consider starting the eviction process by serving them with a Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following each check. This should be provided to existing tenants as well as to new tenants prior to their move in. Additionally, you must also keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the check. The engineer will provide the CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. The document is a record and should be stored by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online to reduce waste.
Landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service inspections. The law states that if tenants refuse access, the landlord has to use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the check. It is possible to write to the tenant, ask them to contact an engineer directly, and to repeatedly request entry. This could also mean contact with the local council, who may be able send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to give access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. While this should be considered a last option but it is legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior making this decision because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply for use by the tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone else who is obligated through a contract, must work together to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is important to find out who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the residents who live there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a qualified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted every year, and copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement for landlords to provide the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
There are some exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. It is an ideal idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, since it can save you a lot of trouble and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances are unsafe during the process of an inspection, they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as is possible. This could involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations governing landlords and gas safety checks are strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, they could be fined and could be fined or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord who needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection, and issue you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we provide a same day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a portion or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, and the fixtures and fittings that utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that everything is safe 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 ensure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is filled up.
After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to any existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move in. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain entry. This could mean sending a clearly written letter stating why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant is still refusing the request, you may want to consider initiating a Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you will have to do it. You can rest assured that our team will be there to help you if you want to update your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our landlord insurance plans. how long does gas safety certificate last can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about what's included and how much you'll have to pay. Our no price hike promise means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.