What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it is important to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances at least once a year. Also, you must provide a copy of the gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a formal 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 of the property and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good condition and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties inspected and get a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the certificate due to expire. This will help them avoid any coverage gaps and ensure the best security for their tenants.
To get a landlord gas safety certificate You will need to arrange for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform an examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work needed in order to bring them back up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to persuade them by delivering a letter that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they don't allow them entry. If gas safety certificate grace period fails, the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is being conducted. This must be provided to current tenants as well as to new tenants prior to their move into the property. In addition, you should also keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certification 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. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be handed over to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection, although it's recommended that they are stored online to minimize the amount of paper used.
Landlords also need to ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. The law stipulates that if tenants refuse access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and complete the inspection. It is possible to write to the tenant, request that they contact an engineer directly and to repeat requests for access. This could also mean calling the local council, who might be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access, the landlord should consider starting the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublet the property to a third party. However the original landlord and any other person who is obligated by contract, must cooperate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
It is important to find out if a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to confirm that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to make sure that the place is safe for the residents who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been tested and deemed to be safe by an accredited gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let for a short duration, such as the student house or holiday cottage. It's a good idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy contract, since it can save you a lot of trouble and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he should make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords must make sure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations for landlords and gas safety inspections are extremely strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations they could face prosecution, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer an same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
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 your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipes, flues and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It's a good idea provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was completed. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents you employ.
landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant refuses to allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could include sending a strongly worded letter explaining why you require access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in then you might want to consider a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't have to arrange it separately or fret about when you'll have to complete it. You can also be assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your policy or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. Sign up for a quote to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.