What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's important to understand your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the owner after a safety inspection. This document should contain all the information regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the appliances and pipes 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 checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections no later than one month before the certificate due to expire. This will help them avoid any gaps in coverage and provide the best security 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 inspect all gas appliances and pipework within the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs required to bring them up to standard and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing permit access to the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter outlining why they require the inspections to be conducted and what happens in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by giving them the Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check that is carried out. The record should be provided to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, prior to the time they move in. You should also keep the original records for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. This document is required to be handed out to tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. This document is an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the initial inspection, however it is recommended that they are stored online to minimize the amount of paper used.
Landlords also need to ensure that they can access the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant does not allow access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. You may also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to making this decision as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and provide for use by the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However, the original landlord, and anyone else who is obligated by contract, should cooperate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is essential that they find out who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, however you must inquire with the agency to confirm that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. A gas safety certificate shows that all gas appliances and flues within the property have been checked and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks completed each year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
The landlord is also required to give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however, if the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. It is recommended 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 finds that their appliances or flues are unsafe during the course of an inspection they should arrange for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This may mean 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 examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding landlords and gas safety inspections are strict and must also be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord and need to schedule an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and issue an CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we offer an same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
gas safety certificate uk , you are responsible for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, such as pipework, flues, and fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe and up-to date. They will test the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and that the gas meter has money on it.
It's a good idea provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and check was completed. It should be handed out to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving into. Keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If tenants refuse to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain entry. This could mean writing a strong letter stating why you require access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching the Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety check is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you'll require it. You can be confident that our team will be there to help you if you need to change your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. Register for a quote to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual cost will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.