7 Essential Tips For Making The Greatest Use Of Your What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. This document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good condition and to provide copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain an updated 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 current certificate is due to expire. This allows them to prevent any lapses in coverage and offer the most secure security 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 inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. Additionally, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct work required to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they refuse to let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord could consider starting the eviction by serving an Section 21 notice.
It is mandatory to provide your tenants with copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following every check. This should be provided to current tenants, as well as any new tenants before they move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost can range from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the inspection. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be handed over to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. The document is a record that should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to keep the documents online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant does not permit access, the law says that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. It may be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, asking them to contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for entry. It can also include contacting the local council who may be able send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant still refuses to grant access the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with safety checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes, appliances and flues they own and supply to tenants. This is the case even if the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and anyone who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must collaborate, with a an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has hired an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
If a landlord leases their property they need to make sure that it is safe for the residents who live there. how to get gas safety certificate are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a certified engineer and are deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks done each year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this policy, however, when the property is used for short-term leases such as holiday cottages for students or student housing. It would be an ideal idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy contract, since it can save you a lot of stress and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord discovers that any of their appliances or flues aren't safe in the course of an inspection they should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations governing gas safety checks for landlords are strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations, they could be prosecuted, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an same-day service for emergencies. Call us or visit our website today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is 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 the fixtures and fittings that make use of or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date 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 supply is working and that the gas meter is stocked with money on it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and check has been carried out. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving in. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant does not allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you require access to the property and what the security checks will be. If the tenant continues to refuse the request, you may want to consider initiating the Section 21 eviction process.
When you buy an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you will need to do it. You can also be confident that we're there for you should you need to renew your policy or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. You can also enroll for a free quote to learn more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.