What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, 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 a requirement for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This should include all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
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 prior to when the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This will help them avoid any coverage gaps and ensure the best protection for 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 within 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 permit access to the inspection, the landlord could attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the checks done and what will happen in the event they refuse to let them in. If this isn't working the landlord might think about initiating the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. It should be handed out to existing tenants as well as any new tenants prior to when they move in. You must also keep the original record for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The document is a record and must be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store them online to reduce waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual service and gas security inspections. The law stipulates that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord must adopt reasonable measures to gain access and complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for entry. It could also involve contacting the local council who may be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant still refuses to give access, the landlord should consider starting the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to making this decision as it may be difficult.
The landlord is accountable to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues to tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and anyone who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is important to determine if a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property they need to ensure that it is safe for the residents who live there. Gas safety certificates show 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 each year, and copies of the certificates are given to the tenants. The checks must be performed by an 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 an obligation of law 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 give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this policy however, when the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages for students or student housing. It would be recommended to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of trouble and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord determines that their appliances or flues aren't safe in the course of an inspection, they should arrange to have them fixed as soon as possible. This may involve 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 check their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are very strict and Www.Mkgassafety.Co.Uk must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, they could be fined and face fines or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to arrange an inspection for gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with a CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you rent out a part or all your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test the flues and gas appliances, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is on and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
It's a good idea give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety certificate after the inspection and verification has been carried out. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If tenants refuse to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant is still refusing, you can consider starting an Section 21 eviction process.
Your annual gas safety check is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you'll need to do it. You can also be confident that we're here for you if you need to renew your policy or amend any details.
For more information on our landlord insurance packages check out the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the coverage and how much you'll have to pay. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.