What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it is important to know your obligations when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances at least once a year. You should also provide an original copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. The document should contain all the information regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good working order and to send copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. This allows them to prevent any coverage gaps and provide the best security for 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 the gas appliances and pipes in the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct work required to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord in, the landlord may try to persuade 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 do not let them in. If this fails the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by serving them with a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. This must be provided to existing tenants as well as to new tenants prior to their move in. You should also keep the original records for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can range from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the inspection. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants in four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to help reduce the amount of paper waste.
Landlords also need to ensure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant does not permit access, the law states that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the check. It could be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, ask them to contact an engineer directly and make repeated requests for access. This could also mean contacting the local council who may be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. While how long does gas safety certificate last is not a last resort, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before taking this step as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements must cooperate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is crucial to know who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that it is safe for those living there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all gas appliances and flues within the property have been tested and deemed safe by an experienced gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks done each year, and to ensure that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the completion of any checks. In the same way, they must provide any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let out for a brief duration, such as the student house or holiday home. It's a good idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement since it can save you a lot of hassle and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be adhered to. 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 help if you are a landlord and need to schedule an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection, and issue you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide a same day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally responsible for a gas safety check every year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues, and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter has money on it.
After the inspection and the inspection, it's a good idea to provide the completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to tenants in the period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving in. You should keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property as well as 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 be considering the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't have to arrange it separately or fret about when you'll need to get it done. You can also be confident that we're there for you should you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree website for more details on our landlord insurance packages. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to learn more about what's included and the cost you'll be paying. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.