What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's important to understand your obligations when it comes 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 inspect your flues and appliances at least once a year. Also, you must provide an original copy of your gas safety certificate to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner after an inspection to ensure safety. It should contain all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked 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 form.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month before the certificate due to expire. This will prevent any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's Gas Safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will perform an examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. 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 a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord can try to persuade them to let them in by writing a strong letter outlining why they require the checks done and what happens if they don't let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord could think about initiating the eviction process by delivering the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being carried out. The record should be given to current tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move in. In addition, you should keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the inspection. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a record and should be kept by the landlord two years following the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords must also ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant refuses to allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. It could be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly, and to repeat requests for entry. It could also involve contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. While this is not a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to taking this action as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipework as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and provide to tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and anyone who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, however you must inquire with the agency to ensure that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected 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 provided to tenants. The checks should be performed by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number as well as a date of issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
There are exceptions to this policy but only if the property is used for short-term rentals such as holiday cottages or student housing. It is a good idea to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of stress and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must repair them as soon as possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around landlords and gas safety checks are very strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found not comply with the rules, they could be prosecuted, which can result in fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and carry out a thorough inspection, and issue you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety test. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, including pipes, flues and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that all is in good order and up-to-date. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. 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 an original copy of the gas safety record after the inspection and test has been carried out. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. However, if the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You could send an email explaining why you require access to the property as well as the safety inspections that are required. If the tenant does not give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might be considering the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't have to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need do it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to assist you should you want to change your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. Request an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.