What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas at 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 examined annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide the gas safety record to every tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the property owner following a safety inspection. The document should include all the details regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these things are in good operating order and to give their tenants copies of the completed document.
All landlords are legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain a new certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections no later than one month before the date on which their current certificate is due to expire. This will prevent any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord You will need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the house. In addition, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If the tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord may try to convince them by sending a strongly worded letter explaining why they need the checks done and what would happen if they don't let them in. If this isn't working, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. gas safety certificate what is checked should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, prior to the time they move in. It is also necessary to keep the original document for a period of 2 years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120, depending on the nature of the test. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, although it's recommended to store them online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual service and gas safety checks. If a tenant does not permit access, the law says that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. It can also include contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If a tenant is still refusing to give access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. While this should be considered a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer prior to taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should cooperate to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it is worth checking with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the residents who reside there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been tested and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are performed every year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to tenants. The checks must be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and a date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement that the landlord hand tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. The landlord must also give new tenants a copy the CP12 form before they move into the property.
There are exceptions to this policy however, in the case of a property being used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord determines that their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they must arrange for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This could 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 the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations governing gas safety checks for landlords are very strict and must be complied with. If a landlord is found to not comply with the rules, they could be prosecuted, which can result in penalties of fines or even jail time 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. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our site today to learn more.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you lease out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes flues, pipework and any fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure everything is up to date and safe. They will test the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is on and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving into. 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 let you carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean writing a strong letter stating why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in then you might think about the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. gas safety certificate what is checked means you don't have to organize it on your own or think about when you'll need to complete it. You can be assured that our team will be available to help you if you need to update your policy details or renew your policy.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords check out the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the packages and the cost you'll be paying. Our promise of no price increase means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.