Why What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Is Harder Than You Imagine
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 required for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. You should also provide the gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. It should contain all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these things are in good working order and that they provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain a new certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This allows them to prevent any gaps in coverage and ensure the best protection to their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the house. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct repairs needed in order to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains why the checks are required and what will happen to them if they do not let them in. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by sending them a Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being carried out. This should be provided to existing tenants as well as to any new tenants before they move in. You should also keep the original record for a period of 2 years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the nature of the check. The engineer will provide a CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be provided to tenants within four weeks following the test has been completed. This document is an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the first inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to minimize the amount of paper used.
Landlords also need to ensure that they can access the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant refuses to permit access, the law states that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. You can also contact your local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. While this is not a last resort, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking such a step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and provide to tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to a third party. However gas safety certificate homeowner and anyone who has been given duties by contract, must collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is essential to know who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but it is important to check with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for those who reside there. A gas safety certificate shows that all the gas appliances and flues within the property have been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks completed every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks should be conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number as well as a date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
This rule is not applicable when the property is rented out for a short time, such as a student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he should repair them in the shortest time possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found to be in breach of the rules, they could face prosecution, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the person who is in breach.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord that needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances like pipes and flues, and any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to date. They will examine the flues and gas appliances and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is filled up.
After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to give an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It should be handed out to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants before moving in. It is also recommended to keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to let you carry out the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you require access to the property and what security checks will entail. If the tenant refuses to give you access then you might be considering a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about scheduling it separately or when you will require it. You can also rest assured that we're there for you in the event that you have to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.