What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it's important to understand your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give the gas safety certificate to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a formal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. It should contain all the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties examined and obtain an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the certificate due to expire. This will prevent any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate You will need to make arrangements for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will examine every gas appliance and pipework in the house. In addition the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are deemed to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs required to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they do not allow them entry. If this fails the landlord should look into initiating the eviction process by serving them with an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. The record should be provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. In addition, you should also keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the costs can vary between PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the check. 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 proof of the inspection and should be stored by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce the amount of waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual gas and service security inspections. The law stipulates that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain access and complete the inspection. It may be necessary to write to the tenant, ask them to contact an engineer directly and repeat requests for access. It can also include calling the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for tenants. This applies even if the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to find out if a landlord has hired an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, however you must consult with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
If a landlord leases their property they need to ensure that the property is safe for the people living there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a certified engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are performed every year, and copies of the certificates are given to 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 landlords to provide tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. In the same way, they must provide new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
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. It is recommended to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement as it could save you a lot of stress and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of 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 installing. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by examining their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they may be charged, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord who needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances including pipes and flues, as well as any fittings and fixtures that utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that all is in good order and up-to-date. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It's a good idea provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was carried out. The record must be handed out to any existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. You should keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents you use.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send an email explaining why you have to gain access to the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in and you are not able to gain access, you might think about a Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to schedule it separately or worry about when you'll need to get it done. You can also be assured that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your policy or alter any information.
For more information on our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. Sign up for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and cost. Our guarantee of no price increases means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.