What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's important to understand your obligations when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances regularly on site. Also, you must provide the gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate ?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. The document should include all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good working order and to give copies of the completed form to their tenants.
The law requires that every landlord has their property 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 certificate due to expire. This allows them to prevent any gaps in coverage and ensure the best security for their tenants.
In order to obtain a landlord gas safety certificate You will need to 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 check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord in, the landlord could try to convince them by delivering an email that explains the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they don't allow them entry. If this fails, the landlord can then consider starting the eviction process by serving them with an Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each check. The record should be provided to all tenants, including any new tenants prior to when they move in. You should also keep the original record for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified 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 an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks following the test has been completed. The document is an account of the inspections and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, although it's recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords also need to make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the inspection. This may include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. It could also involve contact with the local council, who may be able send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant does not let access in and the landlord is considering eviction. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer prior to taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and offer to tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and anyone else who is obligated by contract, must cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. how often gas safety certificate should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's worth checking with the agency ahead of time to be certain that you are fully protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been tested and deemed safe by an experienced gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and a date of issue.
The landlord is also required to give tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the conclusion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been let for a short duration, such as the student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the course of an inspection, they must make arrangements for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found to not comply with the rules, they could be prosecuted and could face fines and even jail sentences for the person who is in breach.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an entire inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we offer a same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site today to learn more.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like flues and pipework, as well as any fittings and fixtures that make use of or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to date. 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 is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It's a good idea give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety record after the inspection and verification was carried out. It must be provided to tenants in the period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving in. You should keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents you employ.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include sending a strongly worded letter explaining why you require access to the property and what security checks will entail. If the tenant does not give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might think about the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
When you buy a landlord insurance policy through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need do it. You can also be confident that we're there for you should you need to renew your insurance or change any information.
Visit the Hometree website for more details about our insurance for landlords. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.