What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it is important to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. You should also provide a copy of your gas safety certificate to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after carrying out a safety check. This document should contain all the information regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the items are in good working order and to send copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties examined and obtain a new 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 avoid any coverage lapse and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To get 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 exhaustive inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. Additionally the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord can attempt to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they do not let them in. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by sending them a 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 the date each check is being conducted. The record should be given to current tenants as well as to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, homeowner gas safety certificate must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the test. The engineer will issue a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be stored by the landlord two years after the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual service and gas security checks. The law stipulates that in the event tenants refuse access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and complete the check. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for entry. It could also involve contacting the local council who may be able send an official letter to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant does not let access in and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone who is obligated by contract, should cooperate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is essential that they find out who is responsible for conducting the gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's worth checking with the agency ahead of time to ensure you are fully protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the residents who reside there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been tested and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are performed each year, and copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks must be conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number as well as a date of issue.
The landlord is also required to give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days after 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.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however, in the case of a property being used for short-term lets like holiday cottages or student housing. It's an ideal idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they should arrange for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This may involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords must make sure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations regarding landlords and gas safety inspections are very strict and must be observed. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, they could be fined and face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and provide you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
Legally, you are responsible for an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe and up-to date. They will test the flues and gas appliances and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter has money in it.
After the inspection and inspection, it's a good idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It should be handed out to existing tenants within 28-days and to tenants who are new before moving in. You should keep an original copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. However, if tenants refuse to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain access. This could mean writing a strong letter explaining why you require access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant does not let you in then you might think about a Section 21 eviction.
If you purchase an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you'll have to do it. You can also be assured that we're here for you in the event that you have to renew your policy or change any information.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to find out more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.