What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's crucial to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas at your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. Also, you must give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety audit. It should contain all the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items are in good operating order and to give their tenants copies of the completed document.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months and to obtain an updated certificate of MK Gas Safety safety. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least one month before expiration of their current certificate. This allows them to prevent any gaps in coverage and ensure the best protection to their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate you must arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will examine every gas appliance and pipework within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter explaining why they need the checks done and what will happen in the event they refuse to allow them access. If this fails the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by delivering a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being conducted. The record should be given to current tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move in. You should also keep the original records for a period of 2 years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will provide an CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks following the test is completed. The document is a record and should be stored by the landlord two years following the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual gas and service security checks. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. You can also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it's important to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If the tenant does not allow access to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior making this decision as it can be complicated.
The landlord is required to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and anyone who has been given duties by contract, should work together to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has employed the services of a managing agent to manage their rental properties, it is important to know who is responsible for organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, however you must check 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 have to ensure that it is safe for the residents who reside there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all the gas appliances and flues within the property have been checked 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 inspections done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. 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.
It is also an obligation of law that the landlord hand the tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as holiday cottages or student housing. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord determines that any of their appliances or flues aren't safe during the process of an inspection, they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as is possible. This could 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 examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord who needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and issue the CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are competitive and we offer the same day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety test. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that all is in good order and up-to-date. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is filled up.
After the inspection and the inspection, it's a good idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be handed out to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving into. Keep a copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. However, if the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This may include sending a strongly worded letter explaining why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant does not allow you access then you might want to consider a Section 21 eviction.
If you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will have to do it. You can also be confident that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your policy or alter any information.
For more information on our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Register for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our guarantee of no price increases means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.