What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your responsibilities as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect your flues and appliances on site annually. Also, you must provide a copy gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that an 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 inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the items are in good condition and to send copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that every landlord has their property checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. Additionally, the engineer will also examine the emergency controls of each appliance. If any appliances are found to be dangerous, the engineer will advise you on the correct work needed in order to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord may try to persuade them to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the checks to be completed and what would happen in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord should look into initiating the eviction process by serving them with the Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days of each check. This should be provided to current tenants as well as to any new tenants prior to when they move in. Additionally, you must also keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is how to get 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 cost could range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the test. The engineer will give the CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. This document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years following the date of the initial inspection, although it's recommended that they are stored online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. The law states that if tenants refuse access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and complete the inspection. It could be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for access. It can also include contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance inspections.
If the tenant refuses to allow access to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior to taking this action as it may be difficult.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and anyone who has been given duties by contract, should cooperate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is essential to know who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency prior to your visit to be certain that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
When a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that it is safe for the people who live there. A gas safety certificate shows that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been tested and deemed safe by an accredited gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks completed every year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks should be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number as well as a date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement for the landlord to give the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form before they move into the property.
There are exceptions to this rule but only if the property is used for short-term lets such as holiday cottages for students or student housing. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord finds that any of their appliances or flues are unsafe during the process of an inspection, they should arrange for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This may require the disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. homeowner gas safety certificate must ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords are very strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found 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 an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an extensive inspection and provide you with a CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety test. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, including pipework, flues, and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It is a good idea to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and check was completed. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You should keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents that you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If the tenant refuses to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you have to gain access to the property and the security checks that must be conducted. If the tenant refuses to give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might be considering a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will require it. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you if you're looking to change your policy information or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our landlord insurance plans. Register for a quote to learn 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 of the first year.