Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, chimneys and flues are inspected annually. You must also give a copy of the report to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that a particular appliance or installation is immediate danger the engineer will request permission to cut off gas from the system and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a document that demonstrates that the rented property's gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified gas engineer. Landlords are legally required organize a gas safety check every year for each rental property they own. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipework, appliances and flues are in compliance with safety regulations.
gas safety certificate and boiler service requires landlords to give tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) after each annual inspection and test for gas safety. This must be given to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the beginning of their tenure.
CP12 is an abbreviation used for the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form lists the date of the last gas inspection and tests and the results of these tests, any actions or issues that need to be addressed, and the name of the person who performed the test.
The engineer will provide advice in the event that the Gas Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be corrected in order to ensure it is safe to use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediately dangerous or abnormally dangerous the gas supply should be turned off until the issue has been resolved.
It is illegal for a tenant to refuse to let the gas safety test to be carried out. A landlord can apply to the courts for an injunction if necessary, however it is usually much easier to send a clearly written letter that explains the reasons why it is crucial that the checks are made and what they will involve. This will convince a tenant who is reluctant to give access, and in the event that they do not, the landlord might be required to begin the process of eviction.
How often do I need to renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
The landlords and letting agencies are required by law to carry out an annual safety check on all flues and gas appliances that they provide to tenants. This is to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and that there are no gas leaks within the property. Gas inspections are a crucial responsibility for landlords, and they must ensure they are conducted by a licensed engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is legal document that confirms that a gas inspection has been performed by a licensed engineer in the last 12 months. It is issued to the landlord and should be handed over to the tenant as proof of the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and must be renewed every year.
If a landlord is unable to provide their tenants with an Gas Safety Certificate then they are breaking the law and could be punished by the local authority. It is therefore vital for landlords to have their Gas Safety checks carried out on time and to keep a copy of the documents in the event that a tenant asks for it.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to install inspection hatches on all gas appliances, so that the engineers can easily access them for inspections every year. If the appliance is found to be 'at risk' during an inspection the engineer will categorise it as such and shut off the boiler and advise that tenants not to use it until the inspection hatch is installed.
Landlords must also provide their tenants with at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to prepare for the visit and give permission if necessary. If a tenant refuses entry to the engineer, the landlord must explain the reason why it is necessary and what happens should the tenant refuse. If the tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer entry, the landlord can consider evicting the tenant under section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence, it's the landlord's legal responsibility to ensure that their home has an approved gas safety certificate before tenants move in. Failure to do this is an offense that could cause landlords to be prosecuted and subject to severe fines. The regulations state that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord to perform a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection, an engineer will identify any issues that could pose a risk to tenants. They will issue the CP12 gas safety certificate, which is also known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is an important document that every tenant should keep. It contains information on the gas installations of a rented property and also details about when they were last tested and their expiry dates. It will help tenants recognize issues with their appliances and installations and make sure they are aware of how to contact the Gas Safe Engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide their new and current tenants with a gas safety check report within 28 days of the date that the engineer visits their property. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate may be prosecuted under the rules and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
The same way landlords must ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are working in their properties and arrange for them being checked every month. The landlord is responsible for repairing an alarm that does not work. This applies to private landlords, councils and housing associations, as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017, the High Court decided that it was illegal for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with a valid gas safety certificate. The decision was made by reference to the law which states that landlords of assured shorthold leases must have an approved gas safety certificate for their property prior to when tenants move into.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are required by law to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework within their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 cover this. To comply with the regulations, landlords are required to organize annual gas inspections of all the gas appliances and flues that they install in the building. This is called a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, and it has to be completed by a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also think about conducting a boiler inspection in conjunction with the CP12 inspection. This will ensure that the gas appliances are functioning properly and safely. Gas engineers can provide an integrated CP12 inspection and boiler service for a reasonable price. They will examine the boiler burner's seals, inspect for leaks and cracks in the flue system, clean the heat exchanger, and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 is sometimes referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate" however it's actually called the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It lists the results of all safety inspections and details of any actions or issues that need to be addressed. Landlords are required to give their tenants a CP12 document no later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is important that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property for safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea inform tenants about the importance of allowing access and explain that the gas engineer is there to ensure they are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant does not allow access, the landlord or agent must explain the legal obligations in writing. Then, they should visit the property and force entry if needed.
Gas Safe ID cards should be requested by tenants before allowing them to enter the property. This will confirm that the engineer is competent to work with your home's systems and therefore be trusted to carry out the safety check. It is also important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally permitted to disconnect faulty equipment and cut off your gas supply in the event of a need.