What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is an official document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. This should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items 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 a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapses in coverage and ensure the best security for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate An engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. gas safety certificate duplicate will conduct an examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing permit access to the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter outlining why they require the inspections to be conducted and what would happen if they don't allow them access. If this doesn't work the landlord should look into initiating the eviction process by sending them an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being conducted. The record should be provided to all tenants, including any new tenants, prior to the time they move in. Additionally, you must keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the scope of the check. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks following the test has been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection, although it's advised to keep them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper used.
The landlords must also ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant is unwilling to admit access, the law says that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. It could also involve contact with the local council, who may be able send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to give access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is essential to find out who is in charge of arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to make sure that it is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a certified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out each year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
The landlord is also required to give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let out for a brief period of time, like a student house or holiday home. It's a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement as it could save you a lot of hassle and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord discovers that any of their appliances or flues aren't safe during the course of an inspection they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as is possible. This may involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by seeing their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations, they could be prosecuted, which can result in fines or even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord and need to arrange an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and provide you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you rent out 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 including pipes and flues, and any fixtures and fittings which utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that everything is safe and up-to date. They will test all gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas supply is turned on and the gas meter has money on it.
After the inspection and inspection, it's a good idea to give an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving in. Keep a copy of your gas safety record 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 does not allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access, you may be considering the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you'll need to do it. You can also be assured that we're there for you in the event that you have to renew your policy or amend any details.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords check out the Hometree website. You can also enroll for a free quote to learn more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price hikes means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.