What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be checked annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must give a copy of your gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. It should contain all the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these things are in good operating order and to provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. 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 registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will inspect every gas appliance and pipework within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency controls. If any appliances are found to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant refuses to let the landlord in, the landlord could try to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they don't let them in. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by giving them an Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must provide your tenants with a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. This should be provided to current tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. Additionally, you must keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is gas safety certificate and boiler service ?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the check. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be distributed to the tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the initial inspection, however it is recommended to store them online to reduce paper waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual gas and service security 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 check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. This could also mean contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access, the landlord may consider eviction. While this should be considered a last option but it is legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex procedure, and landlords should consult a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply to tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and any other person who is obligated by contract, should work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, however you must inquire with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are performed every year, and that copies of the certificates are provided to the tenants. 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 the 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 inspections being completed. The landlord must also provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let for a short period of time, like an apartment for students or a holiday home. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues aren't safe during the course of an inspection they should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by examining their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are very strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations, they could be prosecuted and could face penalties of fines or even jail time for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord that needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform a full check and provide you with a CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we can provide the same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct a gas safety check every year, if you lease a part or all your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes pipes, flues and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is topped up.
It's a good idea provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and verification has been carried out. The record must be handed out to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. However, if the tenant refuses to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. You could send an email explaining why you require access to the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant is unwilling to allow you access, you may think about a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you will require it. You can also be confident that we're here for you if you need to renew your policy or amend any details.
For more information about our landlord insurance packages check out the Hometree website. You can also enroll for a free estimate to learn more about the coverage and how much you'll have to pay. Our no price hike promise means that your annual cost will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.