What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a formal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. The document should include all the information regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good working order and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property inspected and get a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This will help them avoid any lapses in coverage and ensure the best protection to their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. Additionally, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord may try to persuade them to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the checks to be completed and what would happen in the event they refuse to let them in. If this doesn't work, the landlord may consider starting the eviction by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is being carried out. The record should be provided to all tenants, including any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You must also keep the original document for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will provide a CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be stored by the landlord two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to keep them online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords also need to make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant does not allow access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. You may also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant does not allow access, the landlord may consider eviction. While gas safety certificate what is checked should be considered a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. This can be a difficult procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and provide to tenants. This is true regardless of whether the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements should work together, with an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has employed 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. Some agents are responsible for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency in advance to ensure you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property they need to make sure that it is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are performed every year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
It is also an obligation of law for the landlord to give the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move in.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let for a short period of time, like an apartment for students or a holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord finds that any of their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as is possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by seeing their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be observed. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they may be charged which could result in fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home, carry out a full inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we provide an same-day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler as well as 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 home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will examine the flues and gas appliances, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is topped up.
After the inspection and the check, it's a great idea to give the completed gas safety report to your tenants. The record must be handed out to any existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants before they move in. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to let you carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access then you might be considering the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
If you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you will require it. You can rest assured that our team will be there to assist you should you need to update your policy details or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Request an estimate to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.