What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it is important to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas at your property. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined every year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. It should contain all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these things are in good operating order and to give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will examine the gas appliances and pipes within the property. In addition the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord can attempt to persuade them by sending them an explanation in the letter of why the checks are necessary and what happens to them if they refuse to let them in. If this fails the landlord might consider starting the eviction by delivering a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. The record should be given to current tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move in. You must also keep the original record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate 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 range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the nature of the inspection. The engineer will issue the CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be provided to tenants within four weeks following the test has been completed. This document is a record that should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they can access the property to perform the annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that in the event the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. This could also mean contacting the local council who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access, the landlord may consider eviction. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is responsible 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 any other person who has been given duties through a contract, must work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is essential to know who is in charge of arranging the gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but it is important to inquire with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and date of the issue.
It is also legal for landlords to provide tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let for a short duration, such as a student house or holiday home. It would be an ideal idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of hassle and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that their flues or appliances are unsafe during the process of an inspection, they should make arrangements for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to completing 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 adhered to. If the landlord is found be in violation of the regulations, they could face prosecution, which can result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord who needs to schedule a gas safety inspection. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home, carry out a full inspection, and issue you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipes, flues and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that 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 ensure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and test has been carried out. It should be given to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send an explanation in a letter of why you have to gain access to the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant continues to refuse the request, you may want to consider initiating an Section 21 eviction process.
When page buy an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. You don't have to worry about scheduling it separately or when you'll require it. You can also be confident that we're here for you in the event that you have to renew your insurance or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.