What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's crucial to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also give a copy of your gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after carrying out a safety check. The document should contain all the details regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the items are in good condition and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties 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 the current certificate. This will help them avoid any coverage gaps and provide the best security for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate You will need to arrange for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency control. gas certificates will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to convince the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains why the checks are required and what will happen to them if they don't allow them to enter. If this fails, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check that is carried out. It should be handed out to all tenants, including any new tenants, before they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original record for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the test. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be passed on to tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be stored by the landlord two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the check. It may be necessary to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant is still refusing to grant access, the landlord should consider starting the process of expulsion. While this should be a last resort but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to making this decision as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However, the original landlord, and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has employed the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is crucial that they find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to check with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety inspections done each year, and to ensure that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be performed by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule but only if the property is used for short-term lets such as holiday cottages or student housing. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must repair them as soon as he can. This could mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations governing gas safety checks for landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations and is prosecuted, they could be fined and face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection, and issue you with a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an same-day service for emergencies. Call us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety inspection every year if you rent out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues and the fixtures and fittings that make use of or exhaust gas.
A trained 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 signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is topped up.
After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant does not allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you have to gain access to the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access then you might be considering an Section 21 eviction.
If you purchase a landlord insurance policy with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will have to do it. You can also rest assured 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 landlord insurance plans. You can also enroll for a free quote to learn more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price increase means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.