What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues at least once a year. You should also give a copy of your gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is an official document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety audit. This should include all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items are in good operating order and to provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain a new certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month before the certificate due to expire. This allows them to prevent any gaps in coverage and offer the most secure security 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 inspect every gas appliance and pipework within the property. Additionally the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. 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 standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If do i need a gas safety certificate refuses to let the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they don't allow them to enter. If this isn't working, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by serving the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. The record should be given to current tenants as well as to any new tenants before they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the inspection. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be distributed to the tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The document is a record and must be kept by the landlord for two years after 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 in order to carry out the annual gas and service safety checks. The law stipulates that in the event tenants refuse access, the landlord has to adopt reasonable measures to gain entry and carry out the inspection. It could be necessary to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for access. You may also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. While this should be a last option however, 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 may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and provide to tenants. This is the case even if the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and any other person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
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. Some agents are responsible for this, but it is important to check with the agency ahead of time to ensure that you are fully protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to make sure that it is safe for those living there. A gas safety certificate shows that all gas appliances and flues within the property have been tested and deemed safe by an accredited gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted every year, and that copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks should be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and date of issue.
do i need a gas safety certificate is also an obligation of law for the landlord to give the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any checks being completed. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been rented out for a short period of time, like a student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs as soon as he can. This may involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be complied with. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules, they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home, carry out a full inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide an same-day service for emergency situations. Contact us or visit our website today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety check. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, including pipes, flues and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to-date. 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 filled up.
It is a good idea to give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety certificate after the inspection and check 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 in. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you need access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant refuses to allow you access and you are not able to gain access, you might think about an Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase a landlord insurance policy through Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you will need to do it. You can be confident that our team will be available to assist you if you're looking to change your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. Sign up for a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our no-price hike guarantee guarantees that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.