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 in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner following an inspection for safety. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good working order and to give copies of the completed form to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain a new certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapses in coverage and offer the most secure 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. The engineer will conduct an inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord can attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to allow access by sending a clearly written letter outlining why they require the inspections to be conducted and what will happen in the event they refuse to allow them access. If this fails, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by sending them an 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 provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants, before they move into the property. In addition, you must keep a copy the document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the scope of the inspection. The engineer will give a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks following the test is completed. This document serves as 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 paper waste.
Landlords also need to ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant refuses to permit access, the law says that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to complete the inspection. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, ask them to contact an engineer directly, and to repeat requests for access. You can also contact the local council, who may be able to send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before making this decision as it can be complicated.
The landlord is accountable to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to a third party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone who has been assigned responsibilities through a contract, must work together to ensure the requirements of the law are met.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. how long does gas safety certificate last should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it is worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to make sure that the place is safe for the residents who reside there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a qualified engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are performed each year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks must be conducted by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the conclusion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move into.
There are exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term leases such as student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, they must make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This may involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are strict and must also be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an extensive inspection and provide you with the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service in the event of an emergency. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety inspection every year if you rent out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, such as flues, pipework and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current 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 is switched on and that the gas meter is filled up.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to give the completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants before moving in. You should also keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean sending a clearly written letter explaining why you need access to the property and what security checks will entail. If the tenant is unwilling to allow you access, you may think about a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about arranging it separately, or when you will have to do it. You can be confident that our team will be there to assist you if you need to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree website for more details about our insurance for landlords. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to find out more about the packages and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.