What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you’re a landlord it is important to know your responsibilities when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a legal document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. This should include all of the information regarding the property’s gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the items are in good order and to send copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that every landlord has their property examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate (more..) every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a landlord gas safety certificate cost safety certificate You will need to arrange for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. The engineer will also test each appliance’s emergency controls. If any appliances are deemed to be dangerous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs required to bring them back up to standard and issue a new gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may try to persuade them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter outlining why they require the inspections to be conducted and what would happen in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn’t work, the landlord can then think about initiating the eviction process by giving them an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. It should be handed out to both existing tenants and any new tenants prior to when they move in. In addition, you must also keep a copy of the lease for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are tested annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120, depending on the nature of the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord two years after the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to keep them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas safety checks. The law states that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take’reasonable measures’ to gain access and complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it is important to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to grant access the landlord should think about beginning the process of expulsion. It is the landlord’s legal right to evict tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is required to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This applies even if the property has been completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must work together, with clear division of duties, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is crucial that they find out who is in charge of conducting the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should check with the agency to confirm that you are covered.
what is gas safety certificate is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents out their property, they must make sure that it is safe for the residents who live there. A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been checked and deemed safe by an accredited gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and date of issue.
It is also legal for landlords to provide tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
This rule is not applicable if the property has been rented out for a short duration, such as a student house or holiday home. It would be a good idea to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of trouble and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, they must repair them as soon as he can. This could involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the rules, they may be charged, which can result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the person who is in breach.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord that needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide a same day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us a an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including flues and pipework, as well as any fittings and fixtures that utilize or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home to ensure everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter is stocked with money on it.
After the inspection and the check, it’s a great idea to provide an original copy of your gas safety report to your tenants. The record must be handed out to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. Keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or check, you must take “reasonable steps” to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property and the safety checks involved. If the tenant continues to refuse to allow access, you could consider launching an Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don’t need to schedule it separately or think about when you’ll need get it done. You can also rest assured that we’re there for you in the event that you have to renew your policy or alter any information.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords, please visit the Hometree website. Request an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual cost will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.
