What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's crucial to know your responsibilities when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. It should contain all the information about the properties gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the items are in good condition and to give copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that every landlord has their property checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections no later than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This will help them avoid any gaps in coverage and provide the best security for their tenants.
To obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord, you will need to make arrangements for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct a full examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter explaining why they need the checks done and what happens should they refuse to allow them access. If this isn't working the landlord might consider starting the eviction by serving a Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days of every check. The record should be provided to existing tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the test. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be distributed to the tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and must be kept by the landlord two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce the amount of waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant is unwilling to admit access, the law states that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. While this should be considered a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. This is a complex procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework, appliances and flues they own and supply to tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is crucial to determine if a landlord has hired an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to ensure you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord leases their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the people who reside there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a licensed engineer and deemed safe. certificate cost is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks should be conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. In the same way, they must provide any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let out for a brief duration, such as the student house or holiday home. It is a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of stress and 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 may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for landlords and gas safety inspections are extremely strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to not comply with the rules, they could face prosecution and could face fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to arrange an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct a full check and provide you with a CP12 certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally obliged to conduct a gas safety check every year if you rent out a part or all your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, such as pipework, flues, and fittings and fixtures that use 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 signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is on and the gas meter has money in it.
It's a good idea to give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety record after the inspection and test was completed. The record must be handed out to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. You could send an explanation in a letter of why you need to access the property and the safety inspections that are required. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access, you may think about the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or worry about when you'll have to complete it. You can also be assured that we're there for you if you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to learn more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.