What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it is important to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas in your property. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give the gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. The document should contain all the details regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good working order and to send copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties inspected and get a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency control. how to get gas safety certificate will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them a letter that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they refuse to allow them entry. If this doesn't work the landlord could consider starting the eviction by delivering an Section 21 notice.
It is mandatory to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each check. This must be provided to current tenants as well as to new tenants prior to their move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will give the CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be given to the tenants within four weeks following the test has been completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and must be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection. It's recommended to store them online in order to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual service and gas safety inspections. The law stipulates that in the event the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to use reasonable measures to gain access and complete the check. This may include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for 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 initiating the process of expulsion. While this is not a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues to tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone who is obligated by contract, should collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is crucial that they find out who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is worth checking with the agency in advance to be certain that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to ensure that the property is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and deemed safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted each year, and copies of the certificates are given to tenants. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
It is also an obligation of law that the landlord hand the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any checks being completed. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let out for a brief time, such as an apartment for students or a holiday home. It's recommended to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, since it can save you a lot of stress and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord determines that their appliances or flues aren't safe in the course of an inspection they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This may require the disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are very strict and must be observed. If a landlord is found to not comply with the rules, they may be charged and could face penalties of fines or even jail time for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule a gas safety inspection. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection, and issue you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we provide the same day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
If you lease out a portion or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including flues and pipework, as well as the fixtures and fittings that utilize or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification has been carried out. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move in. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what the security checks will be. If the tenant still refuses the request, you may want to consider initiating a Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to schedule it separately or fret about when you'll need to get it done. You can also rest assured that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your insurance or change any information.
For more information on our insurance for landlords check out the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.