What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances regularly on site. You should also provide a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a formal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. This document should contain all the details regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these items are in good operating order and to give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's Gas Safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will perform a full inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct repairs required to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord can try to convince them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter that explains why they should have the checks to be completed and what happens should they refuse to allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. The record should be given to existing tenants, as well as any new tenants before they move in. Additionally, you must keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances within their homes are regularly inspected by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost could range from PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue a CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document serves as 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 the amount of paper that is thrown away.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. If a tenant refuses to allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the check. It may be necessary to write to the tenant and ask them to contact an engineer directly and repeat requests for entry. You may also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant does not let access in and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. While this should be considered a last option, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this action because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply to tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone who has been given duties through a contract, must work together to ensure the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is crucial to find out who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, however you must check with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
If a landlord leases their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the residents who reside there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been checked and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
gas safety certificate cost is also an obligation of law that the landlord hand the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been rented out for a short period of time, like a student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must repair them as soon as he can. This may require the 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 photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are very strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out a full check and issue a CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we provide a same day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally responsible for a gas safety check every year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes flues, pipework and any fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test the flues and gas appliances and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter is stocked with money on it.
After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant does not let you carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property and the security checks that must be conducted. If the tenant is still refusing the request, you may want to consider initiating the Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't need to organize it on your own or worry about when you'll need do it. You can also rest assured that we're there for you should you need to renew your policy or change any information.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. Register for a quote to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.