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.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues on site annually. Also, you must provide the gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety audit. This should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good condition and to send copies of the completed form to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of the current certificate. This allows them to avoid any coverage lapse and offers the most effective 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. This engineer will carry out a full inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be dangerous the engineer will inform you on the correct repair work needed in order to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord may try to convince them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what will happen in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this isn't working, the landlord may consider starting the eviction by delivering a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of the 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 to new tenants prior to their move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
Generally speaking, landlords must 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 could range from PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be handed over to the tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is a record that should be stored by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
gas safety certificate for landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas safety checks. If a tenant is unwilling to admit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. This could also mean contacting the local council who might be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant refuses to allow access, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to taking this action as it may be difficult.
The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is true regardless of whether the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to find out whether a landlord has hired an agent managing their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but it is important to check with the agency to ensure that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to ensure that it is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificate s prove that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
It is also an obligation of law for landlords to provide the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests 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 policy however, in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as holiday cottages or student housing. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, they must repair them as soon as possible. This may involve 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 verify their identity by examining their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the rules governing landlords and gas safety checks are very strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations, they could face prosecution which could result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct a full check and provide you with an CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, including flues, pipework and any fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
A certified 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 check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas supply is on and the gas meter has money in it.
It's a good idea give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety certificate after the inspection and check was carried out. It must be provided to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move into the property. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates 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. You could write an email explaining why you need to access the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant still refuses the request, you may want to consider initiating a Section 21 eviction process.
When you buy a landlord insurance policy with Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't need to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need get it done. You can also be assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your policy or amend any details.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. Request an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.