What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your responsibilities as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances at least once a year. You must also give a copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This document should contain all the information regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good condition and to send copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This allows them to prevent any coverage gaps and offer the most secure protection for their tenants.
To get a gas safety certificate for your landlord, you will need to make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord to in, the landlord can try to convince them by delivering an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what happens to them if they do not let them in. If this isn't working the landlord might consider starting the eviction by delivering an Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each inspection. This should be given to both existing tenants and any new tenants, before they move into the property. You should also keep the original record for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120, depending on the scope of the test. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual gas and service security checks. The law stipulates that in the event the tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. It could be necessary to write to the tenant and asking them to contact an engineer directly and make repeated requests for entry. It can also include contact with the local council, who may be able send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who do not cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes, appliances and flues that they own and offer to tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities through a contract, must work together to ensure the requirements of the law are met.
If gas safe certificate check has enlisted the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is crucial that they find out who is in charge of arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the residents who live there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a licensed engineer and found to be safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done each year, and to ensure that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks should be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. The landlord must also give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
There are some exceptions to this rule however, in the case of a property being used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are strict and must also be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer an same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues and any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current 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 is switched on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It's a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and check was carried out. It must be provided to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move in. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If discover this refuse to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. This could include writing a strong letter explaining why you require access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant refuses to let you in then you might be considering a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you will need to do it. You can be confident that our team will be available to assist you if you're looking to update your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information about our landlord insurance packages you can visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to learn more about the coverage and how much you'll pay. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.