What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your responsibilities as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances at least once a year. You should also provide the gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner after an inspection to ensure safety. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the items are in good order and to provide copies of the completed form to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This will help them avoid any coverage gaps 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 examine the gas appliances and pipes within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will inform you on the correct repair work required to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to convince them by delivering an explanation in the letter of the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they do not allow them entry. If this doesn't work the landlord could decide to start the eviction process by serving the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is being conducted. The record should be given 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 records for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will provide the CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection. It's recommended to store the documents online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual gas and service security checks. If a tenant does not allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to carry out the check. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. It could also involve contacting the local council who may be able send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant is still refusing to allow access, the landlord should consider beginning the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who do not cooperate with safety checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipework, appliances and flues they own and supply to tenants. This is the case even if the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and anyone who acquires duties through contractual arrangements must cooperate, with a an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
It is essential to determine whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency ahead of time to be certain that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for those who reside there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and deemed safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are performed each year, and copies of the certificates are given to tenants. The checks should be carried out by a 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 tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
gas safe certificate check is not applicable in the case of a property that has been rented out for a short period of time, like an apartment for students or a holiday home. It's an ideal idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, as it could save you a lot of trouble and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues do not meet the safety standards of an inspection, he must fix them as soon as he can. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are strict and must also be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, they could be fined and could be fined or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct a full check and provide you with the CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us a an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a portion or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety check. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances like pipes and flues as well as any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is topped up.
It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and check was carried out. It must be given to tenants in the period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving in. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This may include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you need access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant still refuses the request, you may want to consider initiating an Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will need to do it. You can be assured that our team will be available to help you if you need to update your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information on our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our guarantee of no price increase means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.