What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your responsibilities as a landlord when it comes 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 regularly on site. You should also provide an original copy of your gas safety certificate to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the property owner following an inspection for safety. The document should include all information about the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the items are in good working 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 a month prior to the expiration of the current certificate. This will help them avoid any coverage gaps and ensure the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the property. Additionally the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct work needed in order to bring them back up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord could try to persuade them by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what will happen in the event they refuse to let them in. If this fails, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, 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 both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. In addition, you should keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the check. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be passed on to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is a record that should be stored by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection. It's recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual gas and service security inspections. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to adopt reasonable measures to gain entry and carry out the inspection. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. You may also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it's crucial to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to give access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to evict tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this action as it can be complicated.
The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for the tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and any other person who is obligated by contract, should cooperate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to know who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to confirm that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that it is safe for those who reside there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been tested and deemed to be safe by an accredited gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done each year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who reside there. The checks must be carried out by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number as well as a date of issue.
It is also legal for the landlord to give the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. The landlord must also provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants before they move in.
There are how long does a gas safety certificate last to this policy, however, if the property is used for short-term leases such as student housing or holiday cottages. It would be a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, since it can save you a lot of hassle and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their appliances or flues do not meet the safety standards of an inspection, he should repair them as soon as he can. This could mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are very strict and must be observed. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules, they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an entire inspection and provide you with a CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a call 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 conduct an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances like pipes and flues, and the fixtures and fittings that utilize or exhaust gas.
A certified 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 look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is topped up.
It is a good idea to provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and check was completed. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants prior to moving in. Keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. However, if the tenant refuses to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain access. You could write an explanation in a letter of why you have to gain access to the property as well as the safety checks involved. If the tenant does not allow you access and you are not able to gain access, you might want to consider a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about scheduling it separately or when you will have to do 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.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our guarantee of no price increase means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.