What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be checked every year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. The document should contain all the information regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these items are in good working order and that they provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This allows them to avoid any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible 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. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the house. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord could try to persuade them to let them in by writing a strong letter that explains why they should have the checks to be completed and what will happen should they refuse to allow them access. If this fails, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. This should be given to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances within their homes are regularly inspected by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be handed over to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, although it's advised to keep them online to minimize paper waste.
Landlords also need to make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the inspection. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is crucial to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant still refuses to give access the landlord should think about initiating the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before taking this step because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and offer for use by the tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the original landlord and any other person who has been given duties through a contract, must cooperate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is important to determine whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Full Statement will take on this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property they need to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a qualified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted each year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks should be performed by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and date of issue.
It is also an obligation of law for the landlord to give tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any checks being completed. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move into.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let out for a brief time, such as a student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he must repair them as soon as possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords are strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home, carry out a full inspection and provide you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer the same day service for emergencies. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
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 test. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, including pipes, flues and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is filled up.
After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move in. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain access. This could mean sending a clearly written letter stating why you require access to the property and what security checks will entail. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in then you might think about an Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about scheduling it separately or when you will require it. You can be confident that our team will be there to assist you if you want to change your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about what's included and how much you'll pay. Our guarantee of no price increases means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.