The Reasons What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Is Tougher Than You Think
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these things are in good functioning order and provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties inspected and get an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month prior to when the certificate due to expire. This helps them avoid any gaps in coverage and provide the best protection to their tenants.
To obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord, you will need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive examination of all gas appliances and installation pipework within 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 repair work needed in order to bring them back up to standard and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If the tenant refuses to let the landlord in, the landlord may try to convince them by sending them a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they do not let them in. If this fails the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
It is mandatory to provide your tenants with copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. It should be handed out to both existing tenants and any new tenants, before they move into the property. Additionally, you must keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate ?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to store the documents online to reduce the amount of waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual gas and service security inspections. If a tenant is unwilling to admit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. You can also contact your local council, who may be able to send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and provide for use by the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to a third party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone else who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is important that they find out who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but it is important to inquire with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and flues within the property have been tested and deemed to be safe by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are provided to the tenants. The checks should be carried out by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and a date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the completion of any checks. In the same way, they must provide new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let out for a brief period of time, like an apartment for students or a holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues are unsafe during the process of an inspection, they must arrange to have them fixed as soon as possible. This may involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for ensuring 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 for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are strict and must also be followed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, they could be fined and could face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and provide you with a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer an same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site today for more information.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues and any fixtures and fittings which make use of or exhaust gas.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is on and the gas meter has money in it.
It is a good idea to provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and test was completed. The record must be handed out to any existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. Keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be carried out, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This could mean writing a strong letter explaining why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in, you may be considering a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you will require it. You can be assured that our team will be available to assist you should you're looking to update your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information on our landlord insurance packages. Register for a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our no price hike promise means that your annual cost will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.