What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it is important to know your obligations when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good condition and to send copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that every landlord has their property examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections no later than one month prior to when the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This will prevent any lapse in coverage 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 conduct an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter explaining why they need the checks to be completed and what happens if they don't allow them access. If this doesn't work the landlord should consider starting the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. This should be given to both existing tenants and any new tenants, before they move into the property. Additionally, you must keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is a record that should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection. It's recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they can access the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to adopt reasonable measures to gain entry and carry out the check. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, asking them to contact an engineer directly and make repeated requests for access. landlord gas safety certificate cost can also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant does not allow access to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. While this is not a last resort but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with essential 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 pipes, appliances and flues that they own and provide to tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities through a contract, must cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to know who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but it is important to inquire with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
It is also legal for landlords to provide the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any checks being completed. The landlord must also provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however, in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals like holiday cottages or student housing. It would be a good idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of stress and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must fix 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 looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around landlords and gas safety checks are strict and must be complied with. If a landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations they could face prosecution and could face penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an extensive inspection and provide you with the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety check. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances like flues and pipework, and any fixtures and fittings which make use of 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 ensure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was carried out. It must be provided to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants prior to moving in. Keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant refuses to allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send a letter explaining the reason you have to gain access to the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant does not let you in, you may want to consider an 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 confident that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. Sign up for a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.
