What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it is important to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give an original copy of your gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is an official document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. The document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these items are in good working order and that they provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This will help them avoid any lapses in coverage and provide 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 perform a full examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency controls. homeowner gas safety certificate will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing permit access to the inspection, the landlord can attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to let them in by writing a strong letter that explains why they should have the inspections to be conducted and what will happen if they don't let them in. If this fails the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by sending them an Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. It should be handed out to existing tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. In addition, you must keep a copy the document for a period of 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 an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost could range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will provide a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants in four weeks after the test has been completed. This document serves as an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, although it's advised to keep them online to reduce paper waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. It is possible to write to the tenant and asking them to contact an engineer directly and to repeatedly request entry. It could also involve contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access and the landlord is considering eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply to tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and anyone who is obligated by contract, should cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has hired an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but you should check with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property they need to ensure that the property is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks should be performed by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number as well as a date of issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 days following the conclusion of any checks. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let for a short period of time, like the student house or holiday cottage. It would be recommended to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement since it can save you a lot of stress and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the process of an inspection, they should make arrangements for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by looking at their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are strict and must also be adhered to. If the landlord is found be in breach of the rules, they may be charged and could face fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange for an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an extensive inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide a same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check each year, if you lease a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues and any fixtures and fittings which utilize or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure 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 make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and the inspection, it's a good idea to give an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. 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 into. It is also recommended to keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you require access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant continues to refuse, you can consider starting a Section 21 eviction process.
When you buy an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you'll need to do it. You can also rest assured that we're here for you in the event that you have to renew your policy or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree website for more details about our landlord insurance plans. Sign up for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.