What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's important to understand your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good order and to give copies of the completed form to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of the current certificate. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To get a gas safety certificate for your landlord you must make arrangements for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework within the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will inform you on the correct repairs required to bring them back up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to let them in by writing a strong letter outlining why they require the checks done and what happens in the event they refuse to let them in. If this fails, the landlord may consider starting the eviction by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. It should be handed out to existing tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You must also keep the original records for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost can range from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the check. do i need a gas safety certificate will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be distributed to the tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. This document serves as an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, but it is recommended to store them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper used.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual gas and service security checks. The law states that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and complete the inspection. It could be necessary to write to the tenant, request that they contact an engineer directly and to repeat requests for entry. It can also include contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be considered a last resort, it is a legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before taking this step as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for tenants. This is the case even if the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and any other person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must work together, with clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is crucial to determine whether a landlord has employed 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, however you must check with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified engineer and deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks should be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number as well as a date of the issue.
It is also a legal requirement for landlords to provide the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. In the same way, landlords must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move into.
There are exceptions to this policy but only in the case of a property being used for short-term leases such as student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to avoid any future legal issues.
If do i need a gas safety certificate discovers their flues or appliances are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, they must make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords should ensure 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 rules for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are very strict and must be observed. 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 an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an entire inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct a gas safety check every year if you rent out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues as well as any fittings and fixtures that utilize or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move in. Keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send an email explaining why you have to gain access to the property and the safety inspections that are required. If the tenant refuses to give you access then you might be considering a Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to schedule it separately or worry about when you'll have to do it. You can be assured that our team will be available to help you if you're looking to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our insurance for landlords. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our promise of no price increases means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.