What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances regularly on site. You should also give a copy of your gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the property owner following an inspection for safety. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good condition and to give copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections no later than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord You will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will carry out a full inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord may try to convince them by delivering an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what happens to them if they don't let them in. If this fails the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by serving them with a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. This must be provided to current tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the nature of the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. mkgassafety must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. The document is a record that should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to keep them online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual service and gas safety inspections. If a tenant is unwilling to allow access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. It is possible to write to the tenant and ask them to contact an engineer directly and repeatedly request access. It could also involve calling the local council, who might be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access to the property, the landlord could consider eviction. While this should be a last resort but it is legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone else who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is important to know who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully protected.
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 live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues in the property have been checked and deemed to be safe by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and copies of the certificates are given 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 date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let for a short period of time, like a student house or holiday cottage. It's recommended to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of trouble and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord discovers that any of their appliances or flues are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they must arrange to have them fixed as soon as possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the rules for landlords and gas safety inspections are strict and must also be observed. If the landlord is found be in breach of the regulations, they may be charged and could face fines or even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an entire inspection and issue an CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we offer the same day service for emergency situations. Contact us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety check. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues, as well as the fixtures and fittings that make use of 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 test all gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and the 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 into. You should also keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. However, if the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. You can send a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in and you are not able to gain access, you might think about an Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about scheduling it separately or when you'll require it. You can be confident that our team will be available to help you if you want to change your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information on our landlord insurance packages. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price increases means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.