What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances at least once a year. You must also give a copy of your gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A landlord gas safety certificate is an official document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety audit. This document should contain all information about the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good working order and to send copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property inspected and get a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month before the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage 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. This engineer will carry out an exhaustive inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord to in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by sending them an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what happens to them if they don't allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord should consider starting the eviction process by sending them the Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check that is carried out. This should be given to all tenants, including any new tenants, before they move in. You should also keep the original records for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances within their properties are checked annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be distributed to the tenants within four weeks of the test being 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 first inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper used.
Landlords must also ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant refuses to allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. You may also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to give access the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. While this is not a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. This can be a complicated procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to taking this step.
gas safe register duplicate certificate is required to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to an outside party. However, the original landlord, and anyone who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should cooperate to ensure that 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 inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it is worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?
When a landlord leases their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for those who reside there. A gas safety certificate shows that all the gas appliances and flues within the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks completed each year, and to ensure that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be performed by a 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 tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
There are exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that any of their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This may mean 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 looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations, they may be charged and could face penalties of fines or even jail time for the person who is in breach.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an entire inspection and provide you with the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances including flues and pipework, and any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to date. They will test the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and that the gas meter is stocked with money on it.
It's a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and check has been carried out. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving into. You should keep an original copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean sending a clearly written letter explaining why you need access to the property and what the security checks will entail. If the tenant still refuses, you can consider starting an Section 21 eviction process.
When you buy an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't need to schedule it separately or fret about when you'll have to complete it. You can rest assured that our team will be there 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 landlord insurance plans. Register for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our no price hike promise means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.