What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances regularly on site. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner after an inspection for safety. It should contain all the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these items are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the completed document.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month before the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any coverage gaps and offer the most secure protection to their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework within the property. In addition, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs needed in order to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to convince them by sending them an explanation in the letter of the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they don't let them in. If this isn't working, the landlord may consider starting the eviction by delivering an Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following each inspection. The record should be provided to all tenants, including any new tenants prior to when they move in. In addition, you should keep a copy the document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances in their properties are checked annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, but it is recommended to store them online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant refuses to admit access, the law says that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. This could also mean calling the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in to the property, the landlord could consider eviction. While this should be considered a last resort but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes, appliances and flues that they own and provide to tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone else who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, must cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to find out who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to ensure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to tenants. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move into.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let out for a brief time, such as an apartment for students or a holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he should make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the rules for landlords and gas safety inspections are strict and must also be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations, they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord who needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and provide you with the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site today for more information.
What is an annual gas check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues and any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test 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 that the gas meter has money in it.
After the inspection and inspection, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants prior to moving in. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what security checks will entail. If the tenant does not give you access then you might want to consider an Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll have to do it. You can also be assured that we're there for you if you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.
For more information on our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. You can also enroll for a free quote to learn more about the packages and the cost you'll be paying. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.