15 Tips Your Boss Wished You'd Known About Gas Safety Certificate And Boiler Service
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances chimneys, flues and chimneys are regularly inspected. The law also requires that you provide a copy the check to your tenants.
If the engineer considers an appliance or installation to be immediately hazardous, they will request permission to cut off the gas supply and suggest that inspection hatches be put in place.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a document which demonstrates that the gas appliances in the rental property and flues have been inspected by a certified gas engineer. Landlords must arrange the gas check for each rental property that they own at least once a year. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipework, appliances and flues comply with safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to give tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) at the time of every annual inspection and test for gas safety. The certificate should be provided to tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation for the CORGI Proforma 12 that was employed by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form lists the date of the last gas inspection or test as well as the results, any actions or issues that require to be addressed, as well as the name of the person who performed the test.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any problems with a gas appliance, the engineer will advise on what should be done to ensure its safe use. If an appliance is deemed Immediately Dangerous, or Abnormally dangerous the gas supply should be disconnected until the problem has been resolved.
If a tenant does not allow access for the gas safety checks to be completed, it is a criminal offence. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction order should it be necessary, but it is generally more efficient to simply send a well written letter that explains the reason why the checks are carried out and what they'll involve. This should encourage a reluctant tenant to let access in, and in the event that they do not, the landlord may need to consider starting the process of eviction.
How often should I renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords and letting agents are legally required to carry out an annual gas safety inspection on all flues and gas appliances that are supplied to their tenants. This is done to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and that there are no gas leaks in the building. This is a vitally important responsibility and landlords should make sure that they are inspected for gas by a qualified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document which indicates that an engineer completed a gas inspection within the last 12 months. It is issued to the landlord, and should be given to the tenant to prove the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months, and must be renewed each year.
A landlord who is unable to provide an Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be fined. Gas Safety checks must be carried out by landlords on time. They must keep a copy in the event that tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea, because it lets engineers gain access to the appliances for annual inspections. If the appliance is found to be 'at risk' during an inspection the engineer will classify it as such and may disconnect the boiler and suggest that tenants not to use it until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords should also make sure that they give their tenants at least 24 hours notice prior to the time they are allowed to enter the property to conduct Gas Safety checks. This allows the tenants to prepare for the visit and grant permission if needed. If a tenant is unwilling to permit the engineer to enter, the landlord should inform them why the engineer is required and what will happen if they don't comply. If the tenant still refuses, then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to make sure that their property is fitted with an official gas safety certificate that is valid prior to the time tenants move into. Failing to do so is an offence that can cause landlords to be charged and liable to heavy fines. The regulations also state that landlords must provide an electronic copy of the gas safety record to their tenants on request.
Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property for a gas check on all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to identify any issues that could pose a risk to tenants. The engineer will issue the CP12 Gas Safety Document, also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is a very important document that every tenant should keep. This document provides information on gas installations in a rental home and the dates they were tested and their expiration dates. It can help tenants identify any issues with the appliances or installations and make sure that they know how to reach a Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords must provide an inspection report on gas safety to their tenants, both current and new within 28 days of the date that the engineer has visited their property. They must also provide a copy the CP12 to the tenant on the day that their tenancy starts. Landlords that fail to provide the the gas certificate could be prosecuted and could face unlimited fines, or six months in prison.
Similar to this landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are working in their properties and make arrangements for them to be tested each month. The landlord is accountable for repairing any alarm that doesn't work. This is the case for councils, private landlords, and housing associations and also licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017 the High Court decided that it was unlawful for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with an official gas safety certificate. gas safety certificate grace period was based on the law that stipulates that landlords with assured shorthold leases must have a gas safety record for their property prior to the time tenants move in.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are required by law to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their homes are safe for tenants. This is covered by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To comply with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas checks of all gas appliances and flues they provide to tenants. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be completed by a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
It's also a good idea for landlords to think about having a boiler service carried out in conjunction with the CP12 inspection, since it will help ensure that all gas appliances are operating in a safe and efficient manner. Landlords are usually able to obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service for an affordable price from a professional gas engineer, who will be able to examine the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for cracks and leaks, clean the burner and heat exchanger and perform general maintenance.
The CP12 is often referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate", although it actually is called the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It contains the results of safety checks, as well as specifics of any issues or actions that need to be taken care of. Landlords are required to provide their tenants a CP12 document no later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is crucial that landlords and letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and for maintenance. It is crucial to educate tenants about the importance of allowing gas engineers access to their property and explain that the engineer is there to protect them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to allow access it's the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility explain the legal responsibilities in writing. Then follow with a visit to the property to force entry if necessary.
Tenants should always ask to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before letting them in to prove that they're qualified to work on the gas systems in your home and are able to complete the gas safety inspection efficiently and efficiently. It is also important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally able to cut off any defective equipment and can shut off your gas supplies when necessary.