What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. what is a landlord gas safety certificate (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide an original copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a formal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that all of these things are in good operating order and to provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
The law requires that every landlord has their property checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord you must make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the property. In addition the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant refuses to let the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by delivering a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they refuse to let them in. If this fails the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by serving the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must give your tenants an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is being conducted. This must be provided to existing tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. In addition, you should keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the test. The engineer will issue an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord two years after the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas safety checks. If a tenant refuses to admit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the inspection. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, ask them to contact an engineer directly and repeat requests for entry. This could also mean contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. While this is not a last option, it is a legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This is a complex process, so landlords should consult a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is required to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This is true even if the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the legal requirements are met.
It is essential to determine if a landlord has hired an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to ensure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the people who reside there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a certified engineer and are deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
The landlord is also required to give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
There are exceptions to this rule, however, in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as holiday cottages or student housing. It's a good idea to include the details of these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of stress and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances do not meet safety standards during an inspection, they must repair them as soon as he can. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by seeing their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the rules, they could be prosecuted and could face fines and even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out an entire inspection and issue an CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety check. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure everything is up to date and safe. They will test the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to tenants in the period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving in. Keep a copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If tenants refuse to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain access. You could write an email explaining why you need to access the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant does not give you access, you may want to consider an Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. You don't have to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll have to do it. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you should you want to change your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our landlord insurance plans. Register for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our promise of no price hike guarantees that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.