What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's crucial to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas in your property. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances on site annually. You must also give an original copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. The document should include all information about the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these items are in good working order and that they provide their tenants with copies of the completed form.
The law requires that every landlord has their property inspected and get a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month before 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 talking to who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will perform an exhaustive examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. In addition, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. If any appliances are deemed to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs required to bring them back up to standards and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord in, the landlord may try to persuade them by delivering a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they don't let them in. If this isn't working the landlord could think about initiating the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is being carried out. The record should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move in. In addition, you must keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered 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 issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be distributed to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, however it is recommended to store them online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant is unwilling to admit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. It could also involve calling the local council, who may be able to send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access and the landlord is considering eviction. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. This can be a complicated procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to making a decision.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes, appliances and flues they own and supply for use by the tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and anyone else who has been given duties by contract, should cooperate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is essential that they find out who is in charge of organizing the gas safety test. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to ensure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents out their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the residents who live 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 to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks should be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and a date of issue.
gas safety certificate cost is also a legal requirement for landlords to provide the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule, however, in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals like student housing or holiday cottages. It would be recommended to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of trouble and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the course of an inspection they must arrange for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This could mean the removal and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations governing gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations they could be prosecuted and face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord that needs to arrange an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and provide you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are affordable and we can provide a same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas check?
If you lease out a portion or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, as well as the fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that all is in good order and up-to-date. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and the check, it's a great idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to tenants in the period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving in. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant refuses access to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant does not let you in, you may think about the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will have to do it. the original source can be confident that our team will be available to assist you if you're looking to change your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Register for a quote to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our guarantee of no price increase means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.