What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your responsibilities as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also give a copy of your gas safety report to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner after an inspection for safety. This document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these items are in good operating order and to give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This will help them avoid any gaps in coverage and ensure the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's Gas Safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes within the property. Additionally, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord in, the landlord may try to convince them by sending them an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what happens to them if they refuse to allow them entry. If this fails the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by serving them with a Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. It should be handed out to all tenants, including any new tenants, prior to the time they move into your property. You must also keep the original record for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the scope of the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper used.
The landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that in the event the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the check. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. You can also contact your local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant is still refusing to allow access the landlord should think about beginning the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with safety checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes, appliances and flues they own and supply for use by the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone else who has been given duties by contract, must cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is important that they find out who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it's worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure you are covered.
What is how often gas safety certificate for sub-let?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the residents who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done each year, and to ensure that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 days following the conclusion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been rented out for a short period of time, like a student house or holiday home. It would be an ideal idea to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, because it will save you a lot of hassle and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he should make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This may involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found be in violation of the regulations, they could face prosecution, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the person who is in breach.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an extensive inspection and issue a CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we can provide an same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas safety 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 as well as other gas appliances including flues and pipework, and the fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving in. Keep a copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send an email explaining why you need to access the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant is still refusing the request, you may want to consider initiating the Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about scheduling it separately or when you'll require it. You can also be assured that we're here for you should you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree website for more details about our landlord insurance plans. Sign up for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.