What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it is important to know your responsibilities when it comes to the gas safety of your property. 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 inspected every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give a copy of your gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a formal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety inspection. This document should contain all information about the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these items 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 a new certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. how long does a gas safety certificate last allows them to prevent any lapses in coverage and provide the best security for their tenants.
To get a gas safety certificate for your landlord you must make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within 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 up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by delivering an email that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they don't allow them to enter. If this fails the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by giving them an Section 21 notice.
It is mandatory to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each inspection. This should be provided to current tenants as well as to any new tenants prior to when 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 should 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 could range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. This document is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a record and should be kept by the landlord two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
The landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that in the event tenants refuse access, the landlord has to use reasonable measures to gain entry and carry out the inspection. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. You can also contact your local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access, the landlord should consider starting the process of eviction. While this should be a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a complicated procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking this step.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for the tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements must work together, with clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is important to find out if a landlord has hired an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it's important to check with the agency prior to your visit to ensure you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues within the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by an accredited gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety inspections done each year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
The landlord must also give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. In the same way, they must provide any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let for a short time, such as an apartment for students or a holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are extremely 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 jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an extensive inspection and provide you with the CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we offer an same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you lease out a portion or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, as well as any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that 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 make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It is a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and test was completed. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving into. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean sending a strongly worded letter explaining why you require access to the property and what security checks will entail. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching a Section 21 eviction process.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't have to schedule it separately or think about when you'll have to complete it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to assist you if you're looking to change your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information on our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.