What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. This should include all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these items are in good functioning order and provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
The law requires that all landlords have their property checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections not later than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any lapses in coverage and offer the most secure security for their tenants.
In order to obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to arrange for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the house. Additionally the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord could try to persuade them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter that explains why they should have the inspections to be conducted and what would happen in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord could decide to start the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. This should be given to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. In addition, you must also keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the check. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection, however it is recommended to store them online to help reduce the amount of paper waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant is unwilling to permit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the check. It may be necessary to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly, and to repeatedly request entry. You can also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access the landlord should think about initiating the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before making this decision as it can be complicated.
The landlord is required to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to determine whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. gas safe building regulations compliance certificate will be responsible for this, but it is important to check with the agency in advance to ensure you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the people who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a certified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are given to the tenants. The checks must be conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let for a short time, such as the student house or holiday cottage. It is an ideal idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement because it will save you a lot of trouble and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe in the course of an inspection, they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are strict and must also be followed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they may be charged which could result in fines or even jail sentences for the party who committed the offense.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and carry out a thorough inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide the same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site today to learn more.
What is an annual gas check?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipes, flues and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date and safe. They will examine the flues and gas appliances, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
After the inspection and the check, it's a great idea to give the completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move into the property. You should also keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords have to 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 entry. You could send an explanation in a letter of why you have to gain access to the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, you could consider launching a Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase a landlord insurance policy through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't have to organize it on your own or fret about when you'll need to get it done. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you should you're looking to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information on our landlord insurance packages. You can also sign up for a no-cost estimate to learn more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.