What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide an original copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This should include all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the items are in good working order and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord you must make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to let the landlord in, the landlord can try to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them an explanation in the letter of why the checks are required and what happens to them if they do not let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord should think about initiating the eviction process by sending them a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. The record should be given to existing tenants as well as to new tenants prior to their move in. You must also keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will give a CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks following the test is completed. The document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the initial inspection, but it is recommended to store them online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords also need to ensure that they can access the property to conduct annual gas safety and service inspections. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord must adopt reasonable measures to gain access and complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it is crucial to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to making a decision.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipework as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and provide for use by the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and any other person who has been given duties by contract, should work together to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it is worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property they need to ensure that it is safe for the residents living there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks completed each year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number as well as a date of the issue.
It is also a legal requirement for the landlord to give the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
There are some exceptions to this rule however, in the case of a property being used for short-term leases like holiday cottages for students or student housing. It's recommended to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, since it can save you a lot of trouble and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he should fix them as soon as he can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by seeing their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are strict and must also be followed. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations they could be prosecuted which could result in fines and even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. click to read have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide an same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances like pipes and flues, as well as the fixtures and fittings that make use of or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and that the gas meter has money in it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and check was carried out. It should be given to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You should keep a copy 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 is unwilling to permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching an Section 21 eviction process.
If you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll need to do it. You can also be confident that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your policy or amend any details.
For more information about our insurance for landlords check out the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our no price hike promise means that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.