What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it is important to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances regularly on site. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety inspection. This should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these things are in good working order and that they 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 one month before expiration of the current certificate. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate you must make arrangements for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will examine all gas appliances and pipework in the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct work required to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could attempt to persuade them by delivering an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what happens to them if they don't allow them to enter. If this isn't working the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by serving a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. The record should be provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants, prior to the time they move into the property. Additionally, you must keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances within their homes are regularly inspected by a Gas Safe certified engineer. gas safety certificates could vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the nature of the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document serves as an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, although it's advised to keep them online to minimize paper waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual service and gas security inspections. If a tenant does not permit access, the law states that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. It could be necessary to write to the tenant, request that they contact an engineer directly and to make repeated requests for access. This could also mean contacting 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 does not let access in to the property, the landlord could consider eviction. While this should be considered a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior making this decision as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues to tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and anyone who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements must cooperate, with a an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to find out if a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully protected.
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 people who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a qualified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are performed every year, and copies of the certificates are given to tenants. The checks must be conducted by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
It is also legal that the landlord hand the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move into.
There are exceptions to this rule but only if the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. It is an ideal idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of stress and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, they must repair them as soon as possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are very strict and must be complied with. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord and need to arrange a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and provide you with the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety check. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues, and the fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure everything is up to date and safe. They will examine the flues and gas appliances, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to any existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants before they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send an explanation in a letter of why you need to access the property as well as the safety inspections that are required. If the tenant is unwilling to allow you access and you are not able to gain access, you might want to consider the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need to do it. You can also be confident that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your policy or change any information.
For more information on our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about what's included and how much you'll pay. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.