Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys are inspected annually. The law also requires you give a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that any installation or appliance is immediate danger, they will request permission to disconnect the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a document which demonstrates that the gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a certified gas engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to organize a gas safety check annually for each rental property they own. The inspection is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all pipes and appliances as well as flues are in good working condition and in compliance with the safety regulations.
Landlords are also legally required to give their tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) following each annual gas safety inspection and test. The certificate should be provided to tenants within 28 days after 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 used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form outlines the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, the results, any actions that need to be taken, as well as the name and title of the engineer who conducted the inspection.
The engineer will provide advice in the event that the Gas Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be addressed so that it is safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediate danger or abnormally lethal, the gas supply will need to be turned off until the problem is fixed.
If a tenant refuses to permit access to the gas security checks to be conducted the tenant is guilty of a criminal offence. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction in the event of need, but it is usually much easier to send a clearly worded letter explaining the reasons why it is crucial that the checks are made and what they will involve. This should encourage a reluctant tenant to allow access and, if otherwise, the landlord could need to consider starting the process of eviction.
How often should I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
In the law, landlords and let agents are required by law to conduct an annual safety check of all chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is done to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks in the building. This is an essential responsibility for landlords and they should be sure to get their gas inspections done 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 by the landlord and should be presented to the tenant in order to demonstrate the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months, and must be renewed every year.
A landlord who is unable to provide a Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should keep a copy in case tenants ask for it.
It is also an excellent idea for landlords to set up inspection hatches on all gas appliances, so that the engineers can easily access them for inspections every year. The engineer will label the appliance as being at-risk and may suggest that the tenant refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch is installed.
Landlords must also give tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This will allow tenants to prepare for the visit and provide permission if needed. If a tenant does not allow the engineer entry the landlord must write to them explaining the reason for the visit and what happens if they don't follow through. If the tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord could consider evicting the tenant under section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if you don't possess a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence, it's the landlord's legal responsibility to ensure their property has a valid gas safety certification prior to the time tenants move into the property. Infractions to this law can result in a landlord being prosecuted or fined severely. The regulations also state that landlords must provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to their tenants on request.
Landlords must have a Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to conduct an inspection of all gas appliances. During the inspection the engineer will take note of any issues that could pose a risk to tenants. The engineer will then issue a CP12 Gas Safety Document, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is a vital document that all tenants should get a hold of and keep. It includes information about the gas installations of the rental property as well as information about when they were last tested and when they expire. gas safety certificate landlord can help tenants spot any issues with their installation or appliances and ensure they know how to contact an Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords must give a gas safety report to their tenants, both new and existing within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. They must also provide a copy the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy begins. Landlords who fail in providing the the gas certificate may be prosecuted and face unlimited fines or even six months in prison.
In the same way landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are working in their homes and make arrangements for them to be checked every month. The landlord is responsible for repairing an alarm that does not work. This applies to private landlords, councils and housing associations as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017 In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was illegal for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid gas Safety Certificate. The decision was by reference to the law which states that landlords with assured shorthold tenancies must obtain a gas safety record for their property before tenants move in.
How do I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in the homes they lease out are safe. This is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To be in compliance with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas checks of all gas appliances and flues that they install for use in a property. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, and it has to be completed by a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also think about performing a boiler inspection at the same time as a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that the gas appliances are functioning properly and safely. Landlords are usually able to obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service for an affordable cost from a professional gas engineer. They can check the seals on boiler burners, inspect the flue system for leaks and cracks, clean the burner and heat exchanger and conduct general maintenance.
The CP12 is sometimes known as "landlord's gas safety certificate" however it's actually called the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all the safety checks and the details of any actions or problems that require attention. Landlords must give their tenants a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.
It is essential that the landlords or letting agents permit Gas Safe registered engineers to access the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It is crucial to educate tenants about the importance of giving gas engineers access to the property and explain that the engineer's presence is necessary to protect them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant does not permit access the agent or landlord must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then go to the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants should always ask to see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before they allow them into the home 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. Be aware that a gas technician can legally shut off the malfunctioning equipment or cut off your gas supply if needed.