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 in your property. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be checked annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a formal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety audit. This document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items are in good functioning order and provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
The law requires that every landlord has their property examined and obtain a new 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 helps them avoid any lapse in coverage 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 every gas appliance and pipework within the property. In addition, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord can try to persuade them by delivering an explanation in the letter of why the checks are required and what will happen to them if they do not allow them entry. If this doesn't work the landlord should think about initiating the eviction process by serving them with 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 the date each check is being conducted. The record should be provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move in. In addition, you should also keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is a record and must be kept by the landlord two years following the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords also need to make sure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant is unwilling to permit access, the law states that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. It is possible to write to the tenant and request that they contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for access. You can also contact your local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's crucial to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access, the landlord may consider eviction. While this should be considered a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply to tenants. This is true even if the property has been wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements must collaborate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is essential to determine whether a landlord has hired an agent managing their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to ensure you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who reside there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been examined 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 handed out to tenants. The checks should be carried out by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and a date of issue.
The landlord must also give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move in.
There are exceptions to this policy however, in the case of a property being used for short-term leases such as holiday cottages for students or student housing. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must repair them in the shortest time possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are strict and must also be followed. If the landlord is found not comply with the rules, they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord and need to schedule an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and provide you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we provide an same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
Legally, you are responsible for an annual gas safety check each year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, and any fixtures and fittings which make use of or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is current and safe. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and the gas meter has money in it.
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 given to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving in. gas safe installation certificate is also recommended to keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
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. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what the security checks will entail. If the tenant refuses to let you in, you may want to consider a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't have to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need do it. You can also be confident that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your insurance or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to find out more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.