What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your obligations when it comes 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 checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy of the gas safety report 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 should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that these items are in good order and to give copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months and obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This allows them to prevent any coverage gaps and provide the best protection to 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 conduct an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. If any appliances are deemed to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct work required to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If a tenant is refusing permit access to the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them by sending a strongly worded letter outlining why they require the checks to be completed and what happens in the event they refuse to let them in. If this isn't working the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by serving the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being carried out. The record should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants before they move in. It is also necessary to keep the original document for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test having 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, although it's recommended to store them online to minimize the amount of paper used.
Landlords also need to ensure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant is unwilling to permit access, the law says that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to complete the check. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. It could also involve contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant does not allow access, the landlord may consider eviction. While this is not a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This can be a difficult procedure, and landlords should consult a lawyer before taking this step.
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 the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and anyone who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must work together, with clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is crucial that they find out who is responsible for conducting the 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 certificate?
When a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been tested and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks done each year, and to ensure that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 working days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let for a short period of time, like the student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must repair them in the shortest time possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are responsible for ensuring 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 discussed above, the rules governing landlords and gas safety checks are very strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations and is prosecuted, they could be fined and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord who needs to arrange an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and issue an CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide an same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our website today for more information.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety check. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is current and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It is a good idea to give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety record after the inspection and verification has been carried out. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send an explanation in a letter of why you need to access the property and the security checks that must be conducted. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching the Section 21 eviction process.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or fret about when you'll need to do it. You can also rest assured that we've got your back if you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our insurance for landlords. what is a landlord gas safety certificate for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.