What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues at least once a year. Also, you must provide a copy of the gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety audit. The document should include all the details regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these items are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the completed document.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months and to obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require landlords to schedule their inspections no later than one month before the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer 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 test the emergency control for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord could attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the checks to be completed and what will happen if they don't allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being carried out. This should be given to both existing tenants and any new tenants, before they move in. Additionally, you must also keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost could range from PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will give an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a record that must be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to keep the documents online to reduce waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant does not admit access, the law states that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It can also include calling the local council, who may be able send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant still refuses to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of expulsion. While this should be considered a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step as it can be complicated.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and provide to tenants. This is the case 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 must work together, with clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency ahead of time to be certain that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are carried out each year, and copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
It is also an obligation of law that the landlord hand the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. In the same way, landlords must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move in.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however, when the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages for students or student housing. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances aren't safe during the course of an inspection, they should arrange for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding landlords and gas safety inspections are strict and must also be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules, they could be prosecuted and face fines or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer the same day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally accountable for an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues and any fixtures and fittings which utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to date. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It is a good idea to give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and verification was carried out. It must be provided to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving in. gas safety certificate replacement should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain entry. You could write a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant is unwilling to allow you access and you are not able to gain access, you might want to consider an Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you'll need to do it. You can be assured that our team will be available to assist you should you want to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information on our landlord insurance packages. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about the coverage and how much you'll pay. Our guarantee of no price increases means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.