What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give the gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after carrying out a safety check. The document should contain all information about 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 order and to send copies of the completed form to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property inspected and get an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible 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 examine every gas appliance and pipework within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord can try to convince the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then consider starting the eviction process by giving them an Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each check. This should be provided to current tenants as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. You should also keep the original document for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. This document serves as an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the initial inspection, although it's recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of paper used.
The landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant refuses to permit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry to carry out the check. It may be necessary to write to the tenant and ask them to contact an engineer directly and to make repeated requests for entry. It can also include contacting the local council who might be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to give access, the landlord should consider beginning the process of eviction. While this should be a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This can be a difficult procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking this step.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipework as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and offer for use by the tenants. This is true regardless of whether the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and anyone who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has employed the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to find out who is in charge of arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is important to check with the agency in advance to ensure you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a certified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are given to tenants. The checks should be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number as well as a date of issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the conclusion of any checks. In the same way, they must provide any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been rented out for a short time, such as a student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances do not meet the safety standards of an inspection, they must make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found be in breach of the regulations they could face prosecution and could face fines and even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
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 home and carry out a thorough inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
how often gas safety certificate , you are obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It is a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was completed. It must be given to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving in. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send an email explaining why you have to gain access to the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant does not let you in, you may be considering an Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to arrange it separately or think about when you'll need get it done. You can also be confident that we're there for you if you need to renew your insurance or change any information.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords check out the Hometree website. Sign up for a quote to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual cost will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.