What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances at least once a year. You should also provide the gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This document should contain all the information regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good working order and that they give their tenants copies of the completed form.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections not later than one month before the certificate due to expire. This allows them to prevent any lapses in coverage and offer the most secure security 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. The engineer will perform an inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency controls. If any appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will inform you on the correct repairs required to bring them up to standard and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may try to persuade them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter outlining why they require the checks done and what will happen should they refuse to let them in. If this isn't working the landlord could decide to start the eviction process by delivering a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each inspection. The record should be provided to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, prior to the time they move into your property. In addition, you must keep a copy the document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the scope of the test. The engineer will give an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document must be provided to tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. This document serves as an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, although it's recommended to store them online to help reduce the amount of paper waste.
Landlords must also ensure that they can access the property to perform the annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the inspection. It could be necessary to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly and repeat requests for entry. This could also mean contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the necessity of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant refuses to let access in to the property, the landlord could consider eviction. While this is not a last resort, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior making this decision as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and offer to tenants. This is true regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and any other person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements must collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is essential to know who is in charge of organizing the gas safety test. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it is worth checking with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord rents their property they need to make sure that it is safe for those living there. A gas safety certificate shows that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been checked and deemed safe by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are performed each year, and copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move into.
There are some exceptions to this rule however, in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as student housing or holiday cottages. It is an ideal idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, they must repair them as soon as possible. This could mean the removal and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords are strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations, they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct a full check and issue an CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and 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 rent out part or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues as well as the fixtures and fittings 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 test all gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. certificate cost will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It is a good idea to give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and check was carried out. It should be given to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. Keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you require access to the property and what the security checks will entail. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching a Section 21 eviction process.
When you buy a landlord insurance policy with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you will require it. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you should you want to update your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more on our landlord insurance packages. Sign up for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our guarantee of no price increase means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.