What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it is important to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be checked each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of the gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a formal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. It should contain all the details about the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good working order and that they give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months and to obtain a new certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. Additionally, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could attempt to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they refuse to allow them entry. If this isn't working the landlord could think about initiating the eviction process by delivering a Section 21 notice.
It is mandatory to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each inspection. The record should be provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move in. You must also keep the original record for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the nature of the test. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, however it is recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of paper used.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. The law stipulates that in the event tenants refuse access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain access and complete the inspection. It may be necessary to write to the tenant, ask them to contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for entry. This could also mean calling the local council, who may be able send an official round to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant does not allow access to the property, the landlord could consider eviction. While this should be a last resort, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior making this decision as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for tenants. This is the case 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 acquires duties through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is essential to determine if a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, however you must check with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the people who live there. A gas safety certificate shows that all the gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by an experienced gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks done each year, and to ensure that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside 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 working days after the completion of any checks. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move in.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let for a short period of time, like a student house or holiday cottage. It would be a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, because it will save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, they must repair them as soon as possible. This could mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by seeing their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the rules governing landlords and gas safety checks are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, they could be fined and could face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and issue a CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we offer a same day service in the event of an emergency. Call us or visit our website today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including flues and pipework, and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
how long does a gas safety certificate last will inspect your home and ensure that everything is safe and up-to date. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and the inspection, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to tenants in the period of 28 days and to new tenants prior to moving into. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter stating why you require access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant refuses to let you in, you may think about the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't need to organize it on your own or think about when you'll have to complete it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to assist you if you want to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our insurance for landlords. You can also enroll for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.