What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
do i need a gas safety certificate that you understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. It should contain all the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good condition and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This allows them to avoid any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. Additionally the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing permit access to 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 to be completed and what would happen should they refuse to allow them access. If this doesn't work the landlord should look into initiating the eviction process by sending them a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each check. This should be provided to existing tenants as well as to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You must also keep the original record for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost could range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will issue an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection, but it is recommended that they are stored online to reduce the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas safety checks. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. You can also contact your local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about starting the process of expulsion. While this is not a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior making this decision because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This is true even if the property has been 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 must cooperate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has employed the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is crucial to know who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to ensure you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property they need to ensure that the property is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate shows that all gas appliances and flues within the property have been checked and deemed to be safe by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and copies of the certificates are provided to tenants. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
It is also legal for landlords to provide the tenants a copy of 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 some exceptions to this rule but only if the property is used for short-term lets like holiday cottages for students or student housing. It would be recommended to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances aren't safe in the process of an inspection, they should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This could mean the removal and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be complied with. If the landlord is found to not comply with the regulations, they may be charged, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and carry out a thorough inspection, and issue you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you lease out a portion or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety check. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including flues and pipework, as well as any fittings and fixtures that make use of or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It's a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and verification was completed. It should be handed out to tenants in the period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving into. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents you employ.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You could send an explanation in a letter of why you require access to the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant does not give you access then you might be considering an Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you'll require it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to assist you if you want to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our insurance for landlords. certificate cost can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the coverage and how much you'll pay. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.