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 in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required 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 give the gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. The document should include all the details regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good operating order and to provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. This will prevent any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate You will need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency control. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work needed in order to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the checks to be completed and what will happen in the event they refuse to allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by giving them the 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 that is carried out. The record should be given to current tenants as well as to any new tenants prior to when they move in. You must also keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the nature of the inspection. The engineer will issue an 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 having been completed. This document serves as an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, but it is recommended that they are stored online to reduce the amount of paper used.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant refuses to allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. This could also mean contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to let access in, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be a last option, it is a legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before making this decision as it can be complicated.
The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This applies even if the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any other person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the legal requirements are met.
If a landlord has employed the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important that they find out who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, however you must check with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number as well as a date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 working days following the conclusion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let out for a brief duration, such as a student house or holiday home. It's a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement because it will save you a lot of stress and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he must repair them as soon as he can. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring 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 mentioned above, the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are strict and must also be observed. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations, they may be charged which could result in fines and even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord who needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an extensive inspection and issue a CP12 certificate. gas safety certificate grace period are competitive and we provide a same day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
Legally, you are 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 fixtures and fittings which utilize or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also check that the gas supply is working and the gas meter has money on it.
It is a good idea to provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and verification was carried out. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send an explanation in a letter of why you require access to the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant is still refusing, you can consider starting an Section 21 eviction process.
If you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to schedule it separately or think about when you'll need to do it. You can also rest assured that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your policy or amend any details.
For more information on our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.