What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. This should include all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that these items are in good working order and to send copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that every landlord has their property inspected and get an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate An engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will inspect every gas appliance and pipework in the house. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to let the landlord in, the landlord could try to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they don't let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord might think about initiating the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following each inspection. The record should be given to current tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the inspection. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be handed over to tenants within four weeks of the test being 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 keep them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords also need to ensure that they can access the property to perform the annual gas safety and service checks. If a tenant does not admit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. You may also contact the local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant is still refusing to give access the landlord should think about starting the process of eviction. While what is a gas safety certificate should be a last resort however, it is a legal right for the landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However the original landlord and anyone else who has been given duties by contract, must cooperate to ensure that the statutory requirements are met.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has employed a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to make sure that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for the residents who reside there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a certified engineer and deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks done every year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks must be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and date of the issue.
It is also an obligation of law for the landlord to give tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule however, when the property is used for short-term lets like holiday cottages for students or student housing. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord finds that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the course of an inspection they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This may involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are accountable for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.
Despite what is a landlord gas safety certificate discussed above, the regulations governing landlords and gas safety checks are very strict and must be complied with. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations, they could be prosecuted and face fines or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home, carry out a full inspection and provide you with the CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally responsible for a gas safety check every year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, including pipework, flues, and fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test all gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also check that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter has money in it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and verification has been carried out. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. You should keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents that you use.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property as well as the safety inspections that are required. If the tenant refuses to allow you access and you are not able to gain access, you might want to consider the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety check is covered by your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about arranging it separately, or when you will need to do it. You can also be confident that we're there for you should you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to find out more about the coverage and the cost you'll be paying. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.