What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your responsibilities as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be examined each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner after an inspection to ensure safety. The document should contain all information about the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month prior to when the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any gaps in coverage and offer the most secure 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 examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. Additionally, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct work needed in order to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord can attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to allow access by sending a clearly written letter explaining why they need the checks to be completed and what happens if they don't let them in. If this fails the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. This should be given to all tenants, including any new tenants, before they move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could range from PS60 to PS120, depending on the extent of the check. The engineer will issue an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The document must be provided to tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. This document is an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, however it is recommended that they are stored online to minimize the amount of paper used.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security checks. The law states that if tenants refuse access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. cp12 certificate may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It could also involve contacting the local council who might be able to send an official letter to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. While this should be considered a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this action because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply to tenants. This is the case regardless of whether 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 work together, with clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has employed the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is important to know who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency in advance to be certain that you are fully protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the people who reside there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and are deemed 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 carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement for the landlord to give the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however, in the case of a property being used for short-term lets such as holiday cottages or student housing. It's a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement because it will save you a lot of stress and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must fix them as soon as he can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by seeing their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are strict and must also be observed. 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 you if you're a landlord and need to schedule a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an extensive inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
Legally, you are accountable for a gas safety check every year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, including pipework, flues, and fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is current and safe. They will examine the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is turned on and the gas meter has money on it.
It's a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was carried out. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants before moving into. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections 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. This could mean writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant continues to refuse, you can consider starting the Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or worry about when you'll need to do it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to assist you if you need to change your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information on our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Request an estimate to find out more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.