What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it is important to know your responsibilities in relation to the gas safety of your property. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues regularly on site. You must also provide a copy gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. The document should contain all the details regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good condition and to provide copies of the document to their tenants.
All landlords are legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months and obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections no later than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This will prevent any coverage lapse and gives the best protection 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. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. Additionally, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them to let them in by writing a strong letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what will happen if they don't let them in. If this isn't working the landlord could think about initiating the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
It is mandatory to provide your tenants with copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following every check. This should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, before they move in. You should also keep the original document for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the test. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be stored by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store the documents online to reduce waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual gas and service safety checks. If a tenant does not allow access, the law states that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It could also involve contacting the local council who might be able to send an official round to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant still refuses to allow access the landlord should think about beginning the process of expulsion. gas certificate is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. This is a complex process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to making a decision.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for the tenants. This is true even if the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements must work together, with an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is essential to determine if a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to ensure you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done each year, and to ensure that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
gas safety certificate cost is also legal for landlords to provide the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. Similarly, the landlord must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to their move into.
There are exceptions to this policy however, when the property is used for short-term rentals like student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe in the course of an inspection they should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This may involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer the same day service in the event of an emergency. 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 and other gas appliances like flues and pipework, as well as any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that all is in good order and up-to-date. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and the gas meter has money in it.
After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to tenants in the period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving in. It is also recommended to keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant refuses access to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This could include writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching an Section 21 eviction process.
If you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will have to do it. You can also rest assured that we're here for you should you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
For more information on our landlord insurance packages check out the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about the packages and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price increase means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.