What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it's important to understand your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances on site annually. You should also provide the gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after carrying out a safety check. The document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that these items are in good order and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties examined and obtain an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections not later than one month prior to when the certificate due to expire. This helps them avoid any lapses in coverage and ensure the best protection to 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 carry out an inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipework within the property. Additionally the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant refuses to let the landlord in, the landlord may try to persuade them by sending them an explanation in the letter of the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they don't let them in. If this isn't working the landlord might consider starting the eviction by delivering an 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 should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, before they move into the property. 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 an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the inspection. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. This document is a record that must be kept by the landlord two years following the date of the first inspection. It's recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords also need to ensure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant does not admit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the check. This can include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for entry. It can also include contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to give access, the landlord should consider beginning the process of expulsion. While this should be considered a last resort, it is a legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and anyone who is obligated by contract, should collaborate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is important to know who is in charge of organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but it is important to consult with the agency to ensure that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for those who live there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all the gas appliances and flues in 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 get their gas safety checks done each 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 contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the conclusion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
There are exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as holiday cottages for students or student housing. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they must arrange for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This could mean the removal and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to not comply with the rules, they may be charged which could result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
do i need a gas safety certificate is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and provide you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service in the event of an emergency. Call us or visit our website today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipes, flues and fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. They will examine the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is topped up.
It's a good idea give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and test was completed. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move into the property. You should also keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send an email explaining why you have to gain access to the property and the safety checks involved. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access then you might be considering a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll need to do it. You can rest assured that our team will be there to assist you should you're looking to update your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information on our landlord insurance packages check out the Hometree website. Sign up for a quote to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our no price hike promise means that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.