What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your responsibilities as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of the gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. This should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these things are in good functioning order and provide their tenants with copies of the completed form.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord you must arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord could try to persuade them by delivering an email that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then think about initiating the eviction process by sending them an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must 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 provided to existing tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original records for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be passed on to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document serves as an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the first inspection, although it's recommended that they are stored online to reduce paper waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual service and gas safety inspections. The law stipulates that in the event the tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the check. It could be necessary to write to the tenant and ask them to contact an engineer directly and to repeat requests for access. You can also contact your local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it is crucial to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant refuses to let access in and the landlord is considering eviction. While this is not a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply for use by the tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, must collaborate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has employed the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is essential that they find out who is in charge of arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should consult with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates show 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 completed each year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks should be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number as well as a date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement for landlords to provide the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any checks being completed. Similarly, the landlord must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
There are exceptions to this rule however, in the case of a property being used for short-term lets like holiday cottages or student housing. It would be recommended to include 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 that their appliances or flues aren't safe in the process of an inspection, they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This could mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by seeing their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are very strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site today for more information.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out a part or all your home. the original source includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, including flues, pipework and any 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 test all the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and inspection, it's a good idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving in. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to let you carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property and the safety checks involved. If the tenant is still refusing, you can consider starting the Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you'll have to do it. You can also be assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual cost will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.