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 in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a formal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after carrying out a safety check. It should contain all of the information about the properties 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 send copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain a new certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month before the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. gas safety certificate uk will prevent any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for 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 perform an exhaustive examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within 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 inform you on the correct repairs needed in order to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord can try to persuade them to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the checks to be completed and what would happen should they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by sending them a 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 every check that is carried out. This should be given to all tenants, including any new tenants, prior to the time they move in. You should also keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could range from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the check. The engineer will provide the CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document must be provided to tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. The document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the initial inspection, but it is recommended to store them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also ensure that they can access the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant refuses to allow access, the law states that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. It could be necessary to write to the tenant, ask them to contact an engineer directly and repeat requests for access. You may also contact the local council, who may be able to send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. While this is not a last option however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and offer to tenants. This is true even if the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and any other person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements must cooperate, with a 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 manage their rental properties, it is essential to find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to ensure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property they need to ensure that it is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let out for a brief time, such as an apartment for students or a holiday home. It is an ideal idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, because it will save you a lot of stress and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he must fix them in the shortest time possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by seeing their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations governing gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange an inspection of gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out a full check and issue the CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we offer the same day service for emergencies. Call us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, including pipes, flues and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A certified 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 indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It is a good idea to provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and check was carried out. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move in. It is also recommended to keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If tenants refuse to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This may include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you require access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant refuses to give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might think about a Section 21 eviction.
If you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about scheduling it separately or when you will require it. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you should you need to change your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information on our landlord insurance packages. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about what's included and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.