What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's important to understand your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas at your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. Also, you must provide a copy gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that is issued by a 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 inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these items are in good working order and that they provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
The law requires that all landlords have their property inspected and get a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This allows them to avoid any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord You will need to arrange for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform an inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord could try to convince the tenant to let them in by sending them a letter that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they refuse to let them in. If this fails the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to 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 given to all tenants, including any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. You must also keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the test. The engineer will give an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a record that should be stored by the landlord two years after the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of waste.
The landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant is unwilling to allow access, the law states that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to carry out the check. This may include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for entry. It could also involve contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in, the landlord may consider eviction. While this should be considered a last resort, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a complicated procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipework as well as flues, appliances and appliances they own and supply to tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and anyone who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, must collaborate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
It is essential to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, however you must consult with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they must make sure that it is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified engineer and are deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks should be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and a date of the issue.
It is also legal for landlords to provide tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let for a short time, such as the student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs as soon as he can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around landlords and gas safety checks are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found not comply with the regulations they could face prosecution, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord and need to schedule an inspection of gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an entire inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we provide an same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues, and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that 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 supply is on and the gas meter has money in it.
It's a good idea give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and verification has been carried out. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants before they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. This could include sending a strongly worded letter stating why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant does not give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might think about the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you'll require it. You can also be confident that we've got your back should you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
For more information about our landlord insurance packages check out the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about the coverage and how much you'll pay. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.