What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues on site annually. You must also provide a copy gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is an official document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after carrying out a safety check. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the items are in good condition and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain a new certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage gaps 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. The engineer will examine all gas appliances and pipework in the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them to let them in by writing a strong letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what happens in the event they refuse to allow them access. If this isn't working, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by delivering a 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 each check that is carried out. It should be handed out to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, before they move into your property. In addition, you should keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost could range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection. This document must be handed over to 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 initial inspection, although it's recommended to store them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper that is thrown away.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas security checks. The law states that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the check. It is possible to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly and to repeatedly request access. You may also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in, the landlord may consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to making this decision as it can be complicated.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone who is obligated by contract, should collaborate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has employed the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is important to find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, however you must check with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to ensure that the property is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been inspected and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks completed every year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who live there. The checks must be conducted by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord is also required to give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been rented out for a short period of time, like an apartment for students or a holiday home. It's a good idea to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, as it could save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the course of an inspection, they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This could involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found be in violation of the regulations they could face prosecution and could face fines or even jail sentences for the person who is in breach.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances, including flues and pipework, as well as the fixtures and fittings that make use of or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe 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 ensure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It's a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and test was carried out. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28-days and to tenants who are new before moving into. Keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send 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 is unwilling to let you in, you may want to consider the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. MK Gas Safety means you don't have to arrange it separately or worry about when you'll need get it done. You can also be assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your policy or alter any information.
For more information about our insurance for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. You can also enroll for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.