What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected annually by an 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?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following a safety inspection. The document should include all information about the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the completed form.
All landlords are legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections not later than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer 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 controls. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them back up to standards and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to allow access by sending a clearly written letter outlining why they require the checks to be completed and what will happen if they don't let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord might consider starting the eviction by delivering an Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. The record should be given to current tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move in. You should also keep the original records for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120, depending on the nature of the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. The document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, however it is recommended that they are stored online to reduce the amount of paper used.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas safety checks. The law stipulates that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. Continuing could be necessary to write to the tenant, request that they contact an engineer directly, and to repeatedly request entry. You can also contact your local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords should consult a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone who has been given duties by contract, should collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
It is essential to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it's worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that the property 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 tested and deemed to be safe by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted each year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to tenants. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the completion of any checks. The landlord must also give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule however, when the property is used for short-term leases like student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that any of their appliances or flues aren't safe during the course of an inspection they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as is possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. 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 regarding landlords and gas safety inspections are extremely strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the rules, they could be prosecuted which could result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord who needs to schedule an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform a full check and provide you with an CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, including 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 the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also check that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter has money in it.
It is a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was carried out. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a 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. If a tenant refuses to permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter stating why you require access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access, you may want to consider an Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't have to schedule it separately or worry about when you'll need to do it. You can also be confident that we're here for you if you need to renew your policy or change any information.
Visit the Hometree site for more information on our landlord insurance packages. You can also enroll for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.