What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances regularly on site. You should also provide the gas safety certificate to every tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a formal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the items are in good working order and to send copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This allows them to avoid any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform an exhaustive examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency control for each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct work needed in order to bring them up to standards and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord in, the landlord can try to convince the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they refuse to let them in. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by giving them the Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check that is carried out. This must be provided to current tenants, as well as any new tenants before they move into the property. In addition, you must keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the costs can vary between PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the check. how long does gas safety certificate last will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be passed on to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and must be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual gas and service security inspections. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to adopt reasonable measures to gain entry and carry out the inspection. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who may be able to send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to grant access the landlord should think about starting the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before taking this step as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and offer for use by the tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and anyone who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must cooperate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is essential to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
If what is a landlord gas safety certificate leases their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done each year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks should be performed by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and a date of issue.
The landlord must also give the tenants the copy of 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 in the case of a property that has been let out for a brief period of time, like the student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that any of their appliances or flues are unsafe during the process of an inspection, they should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they could face prosecution which could result in fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide an same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally responsible for a gas safety check every year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe and up-to date. They will examine the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also check that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter has money on it.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to any existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move in. You should also keep a copy of your 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 the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This could include sending a strongly worded letter explaining why you require access to the property and what the security checks will be. If the tenant refuses to allow you access, you may think about a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. This means that you don't need to schedule it separately or worry about when you'll need to get it done. You can be confident that our team will be there to assist you if you're looking to update your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree website for more details about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.