What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your responsibilities as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined every year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following an inspection for safety. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these items are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the completed document.
All landlords are legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the house. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs required to bring them back up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord to in, the landlord can try to persuade them by delivering an explanation in the letter of the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they don't let them in. If this fails, the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by delivering the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following every check. This should be provided to existing tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. You should also keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their properties 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 issue a CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual service and gas safety checks. If a tenant is unwilling to admit access, the law says that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It can also include contacting the local council who may be able send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If certificate cost is still refusing to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of expulsion. 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 essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to taking this step because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and offer to tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However, the original landlord, and any other person who has been given duties by contract, must work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is essential to know who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency in advance to ensure you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for the residents who reside there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and deemed safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the conclusion of any checks. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let for a short time, such as a student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must fix them as soon as he can. This could involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords should ensure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are strict and must also be adhered to. If the landlord is found be in breach of the regulations, they may be charged and could face penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an extensive inspection and issue a CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
Legally, you are responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances like pipes and flues, as well as the fixtures and fittings that make use of 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 check that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter is stocked with money on it.
After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to tenants who are new before moving in. Keep a copy of your 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. However, if tenants refuse to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain access. You could send an explanation in a letter of why you require access to the property as well as the safety checks involved. If the tenant continues to refuse, you can consider starting a Section 21 eviction process.
If you purchase a landlord insurance policy with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't need to schedule it separately or worry about when you'll need complete it. certificate cost can also be assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. Register for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.