What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the owner following an inspection for safety. The document should include all the details regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the items are in good order and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This allows them to avoid any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible 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. The engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to convince them by sending them an email that explains the reason for the checks and what will happen to them if they refuse to allow them to enter. If this fails, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. This should be given to all tenants, including any new tenants, before they move in. It is also necessary to keep the original record for a period of 2 years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the inspection. The engineer will give an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the first inspection, however it is recommended that they are stored online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper used.
Landlords also need to make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If how much gas safety certificate does not permit access, the law states that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to carry out the check. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. You can also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant is still refusing to allow access, the landlord should consider initiating the process of expulsion. While this should be a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is required to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for the 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 is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must work together, with an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is important to determine if a landlord has hired an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, however you must check with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for those who reside there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are performed every year, and that copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the completion of any checks. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable when the property is rented out for a short duration, such as a student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he must fix them as soon as possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an extensive inspection and issue a CP12 certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. Contact us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues and the fixtures and fittings that utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to date. 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 on and that the gas meter has money in it.
It's a good idea provide your tenants with an original copy of the gas safety report after the inspection and check has been carried out. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to tenants who are new before moving in. You should also keep an original copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If Suggested Online site refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send an explanation in a letter of why you need to access the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, you could consider launching an Section 21 eviction process.
If you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to arrange it separately or think about when you'll need do it. You can also be assured that we're here for you should you need to renew your insurance or amend any details.
For more information about our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.