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 are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be examined annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following an inspection for safety. This document should contain all information about the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good operating order and to give their tenants copies of the completed document.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months and obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord, you will need to arrange for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct a full inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. In addition the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the inspections to be conducted and what would happen in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then consider starting the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. This should be provided to existing tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You should also keep the original record for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must 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 depending on the scope of the inspection. The engineer will issue the CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 must be given to the tenants within four weeks following the test has been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to reduce the amount of paper used.
Landlords also need to ensure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service checks. The law states that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. This could also mean contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access, the landlord should consider beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a difficult procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework, appliances and flues that they own and offer to tenants. This is the case regardless of whether the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must work together, with an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
It is essential to determine whether a landlord has employed a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, however you must check with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents out their property, they must make sure that it is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a qualified engineer and found to be safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks completed every year and that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
It is also an obligation of law that the landlord hand tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. The landlord must also give any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
gas safety certificate how often is not applicable when the property is rented out for a short period of time, like the student house or holiday cottage. It's an ideal idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement as it could save you a lot of trouble and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the process of an inspection, they should arrange to have them fixed as soon as possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord who needs to arrange an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and carry out a thorough inspection and issue the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are affordable and we provide the same day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you lease out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, such as pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. 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 turned on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and inspection, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. You should keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are accountable 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. This could mean sending a clearly written letter explaining why you require access to the property and what the security checks will entail. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, you could consider launching the Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about arranging it separately, or when you will have to do it. You can also rest assured that we're here for you if you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our no price hike promise means that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.