What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your responsibilities as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must 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 record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is an official document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety audit. This document should contain all the information regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the items are in good order and to provide copies of the document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain a new certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least one month before expiration of their current certificate. This allows them to prevent any coverage gaps and provide the best protection to their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. If any appliances are deemed to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs needed in order to bring them up to standard and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could attempt to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them an explanation in the letter of why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they do not allow them to enter. If this isn't working, the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by delivering a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days of every check. The record should be provided to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, before they move into the property. You must also keep the original records for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the inspection. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to keep them online to reduce waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service inspections. The law stipulates that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the check. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It can also include calling the local council, who might be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access, the landlord should consider starting the process of eviction. While this should be considered a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. landlord gas safety certificate cost can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and offer for use by the tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to a third party. However the original landlord and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, must cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
It is crucial to determine whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it is worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure that you are fully protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?
When a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for the people who reside there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a qualified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are conducted every year, and that copies of the certificates are given to the tenants. The checks should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
It is also a legal requirement for landlords to provide tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule, however, when the property is used for short-term rentals such as holiday cottages or student housing. It would be a good idea to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement as it could save you a lot of hassle and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring 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 earlier, the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be observed. If a landlord is found to not comply with the regulations they could be prosecuted which could result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule an inspection for gas safety. 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 for emergency situations. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety check. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes pipes, flues and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure all is in good order and up-to-date. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also check that the gas supply is turned 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 verification was carried out. The record must be handed out to any existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. 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 the tenant refuses to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You could send an email explaining why you need to access the property and the security checks that must be conducted. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access then you might want to consider a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will require it. You can be confident 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 for more information about our landlord insurance plans. Request an estimate to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our promise of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.
