What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate 101 It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's important that you understand your obligations as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also provide a copy of the gas safety record to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. It should contain all the details about the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all of these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the completed document.
The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require landlords to plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any coverage gaps and provide the best protection to their tenants.
To get a landlord gas safety certificate , you will need to make arrangements for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the house. Additionally, gas safety certificate for landlords will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord could try to persuade them to allow access by sending a clearly written letter explaining why they need the inspections to be conducted and what happens in the event they refuse to let them in. If this fails the landlord could think about initiating the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. It should be handed out to all tenants, including any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. In addition, you must keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the test can vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the check. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be handed over to tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The 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 also need to ensure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service inspections. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the check. It may be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly, and to make repeated requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access the landlord should think about initiating the process of expulsion. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who refuse to cooperate with safety checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords should consult with a lawyer before making a decision.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and provide to tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and any other person who is obligated by contract, must work together to ensure the requirements of the law are met.
If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is important that they find out who is in charge of organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it's important to check with the agency in advance to be certain that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to make sure that the place is safe for those who reside there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a qualified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted each year, and copies of the certificates are provided to the tenants. The checks should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.
It is also an obligation of law 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 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 rentals like student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues aren't safe in the course of an inspection they should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for making sure that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by seeing their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing landlords and gas safety checks are strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the rules, they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even prison sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord that needs to arrange an inspection of gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct 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 a call or visit our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety test. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances including pipes and flues, and the fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is current and safe. 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 working and that the gas meter has money in it.
After the inspection and the inspection, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move into the property. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could send a letter explaining the reason you need to access the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant continues to refuse the request, you may want to consider initiating an Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. 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 available to assist you should you need to update your policy information or renew your policy.
For more information on our insurance for landlords check out the Hometree website. Request a quote to learn more about the coverage and costs. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.