What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy of the gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a formal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety inspection. This should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these things are in good working order and that they 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 also require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month prior to when the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This will help them avoid any lapses in coverage and provide the best protection 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 examine the gas appliances and pipes within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord can try to persuade them by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what would happen should they refuse to allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord may consider starting the eviction by serving an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is being carried out. The record should be provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants, prior to the time they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original records for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the check. The engineer will give an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document must be provided to tenants within four weeks following the test is completed. This document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, although it's recommended that they are stored online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual gas and service security inspections. landlord gas safety certificate uk stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain entry and carry out the inspection. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It could also involve contacting the local council who may be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant refuses to let access in to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be a last resort, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer prior to making a decision.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework, appliances and flues that they own and provide to tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and anyone else who is obligated by contract, must collaborate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is important to check with the agency in advance to be certain that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?
When a landlord rents 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 examined by a licensed engineer and found to be safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done each year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
The landlord must also give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the conclusion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been rented out for a short time, such as an apartment for students or a holiday cottage. It's a good idea to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement as it could save you a lot of hassle and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must repair them in the shortest time possible. This may mean 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 seeing their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange an inspection of your gas safety, 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 the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site today to learn more.
What is an annual gas check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety test. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, including pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and the gas meter has money on it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety record after the inspection and check was completed. It should be handed out to tenants in the period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving into. It is also recommended to keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant is still refusing to allow access, you could consider launching the Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about scheduling it separately or when you will require it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to assist you if you need to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. You can also enroll for a free quote to learn more about the coverage and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price increases means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.