What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a formal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after carrying out a safety check. It should contain all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good order and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months and to obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage lapse and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To get a gas safety certificate for your landlord You will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform an examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency controls. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work needed in order to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord in, the landlord can try to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they do not allow them entry. If this doesn't work the landlord should think about initiating the eviction process by giving them the Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being carried out. This should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, before they move into your property. Additionally, you must keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are regularly tested by an 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 a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The document must be given to the tenants in four weeks after 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, although it's advised to keep them online to reduce the amount of paper that is thrown away.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. If a tenant does not permit access, the law says that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out the check. It is possible to write to the tenant and asking them to contact an engineer directly, and to repeat requests for access. It can also include contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access to the property, the landlord could consider eviction. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to taking this action as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for the tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublet the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone else who has been given duties through a contract, must work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to determine whether a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to check with the agency ahead of time to ensure that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for the people living there. A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and flues within the property have been checked and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. It's 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 Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
The landlord must also give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days after 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 some exceptions to this rule however, if the property is used for short-term lets such as student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, they must fix them as soon as possible. gas safety certificate near me MK Gas Safety may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around landlords and gas safety checks are very strict and must be complied with. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the rules, they could face prosecution, which can result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct a gas safety check every year if you rent out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, such as pipes, flues and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. They will test the flues and gas appliances 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.
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 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. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents that you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. You could send a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant refuses to give you access then you might think about an Section 21 eviction.
If you purchase a landlord insurance policy with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll require it. You can also rest assured that we're there for you if you need to renew your insurance or change any information.
For more information about our insurance for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to learn more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.