What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's crucial to know your responsibilities when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances at least once a year. You should also provide a copy of your gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following a safety inspection. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items are in good functioning order and provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that every landlord has their property inspected and get an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections not later than one month before the certificate due to expire. This allows them to avoid any coverage lapse and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will inspect every gas appliance and pipework within the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord may try to convince them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter that explains why they should have the checks to be completed and what will happen if they don't allow them access. If this doesn't work the landlord might think about initiating the eviction process by serving a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. This should be provided to current tenants as well as to any new tenants before they move in. In addition, you should keep a copy the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by an Gas Safe certified 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 an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. The document is a record and should be kept by the landlord two years after the date of the initial inspection. It's recommended to store them online to reduce waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service checks. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the check. It is possible to write to the tenant, request that they contact an engineer directly and to make repeated requests for entry. You can also contact your local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's crucial to allow access for safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant still refuses to give access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel 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 accountable for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances they own and supply to tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and anyone else who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has employed the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important to know who is responsible for conducting the gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it is important to check with the agency in advance to be certain that you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property they need to make sure that it is safe for the people living there. his explanation prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified engineer and found to be safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain 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 the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. In the same way, they must provide any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form before they move into the property.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let for a short duration, such as the student house or holiday cottage. It is recommended to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, as it could save you a lot of hassle and potential legal issues in the future.
If a landlord determines that their appliances or flues aren't safe in the process of an inspection, they must arrange to have them fixed as soon as possible. This may involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are accountable 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 governing gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations, they could be prosecuted which could result in fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord and need to arrange an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out a full check and provide you with a CP12 certificate. Our prices are competitive and we can provide a same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our website today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety check?
Legally, you are responsible for an annual gas safety check each year, if you lease some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues, as well as any fittings and fixtures that utilize or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas supply is working and the gas meter has money in it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety record after the inspection and check was completed. It should be given 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 use.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant does not allow you to carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send an email explaining why you require access to the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in, you may think about an Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll require it. You can also rest assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.
For more information on our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Register for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our promise of no price hikes means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.