There Are Myths And Facts Behind What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances on site annually. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner after a safety inspection. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties inspected and get an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To get a gas safety certificate for your landlord you must arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct a full examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency control for 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 explaining why they need the checks done and what happens should they refuse to let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by giving them a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days of every check. The record should be provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120, depending on the extent of the check. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. The document is an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, but it is advised to keep them online to reduce paper waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. If a tenant is unwilling to permit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to carry out the check. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. It could also involve calling the local council, who might be able to send an official letter to explain the necessity of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant refuses to let access in, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before taking this action as it can be complicated.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and offer to tenants. This applies even if the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and anyone who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, however you must consult with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to ensure that it is safe for the residents who live there. A gas safety certificate shows that all gas appliances and flues in the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks done each year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are some exceptions to this rule but only when the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. It's a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement because it will save you a lot of trouble and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances aren't safe in the course of an inspection, they must make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. gas safety certificate cp12 must ensure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found be in violation of the regulations they could face prosecution which could result in fines and even jail sentences for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord who needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and issue an CP12 certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an 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?
Legally, you are responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including flues and pipework, and any fittings and fixtures that make use of or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is current and safe. They will test the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also check that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and verification was completed. It should be given to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could include writing a strong letter stating why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in and you are not able to gain access, you might think about an Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or fret about when you'll have to get it done. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you if you're looking to update your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. Register for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.