What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It is important to understand your responsibilities as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a formal document that is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. The document should contain all the details regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these things are in good functioning order and give their tenants copies of the document they have completed.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of the current certificate. This will prevent any coverage lapse and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. Additionally the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord to in, the landlord could try to persuade them by delivering a letter that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they refuse to allow them entry. If this isn't working the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by delivering the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being carried out. It should be handed out to all tenants, including any new tenants, prior to the time they move in. In addition, you should keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances in their homes are regularly inspected by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120, depending on the extent of the inspection. The engineer will provide the CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is a proof of the inspection and should be kept by the landlord two years following 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 security inspections. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord must adopt reasonable measures to gain access and complete the check. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly and to repeat requests for access. It can also include contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. While this should be a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step as it can be complicated.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply for use by the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets 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 compliance with the statutory requirements.
If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is important to find out who is responsible for conducting the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be responsible for this, but it is worth checking with the agency ahead of time to ensure that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property they need to ensure that the property is safe for the people living there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks completed every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks must be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and date of the issue.
It is also a legal requirement that the landlord hand the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move in.
There are exceptions to this policy, however, if the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages or student housing. It's recommended to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, as it could save you a lot of stress and legal complexities in the future.
If a landlord determines that their appliances or flues aren't safe during the process of an inspection, they must make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as is possible. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are accountable for ensuring 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 for gas safety inspections for landlords as well as landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules and is prosecuted, Mkgassafety.co.Uk they could be fined and face fines or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help if you are a landlord that needs to arrange an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and provide you with a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are affordable and we offer the same day service for emergency situations. Contact us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas check?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances, including pipes and flues, as well as any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date and safe. They will examine the flues and gas appliances and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas is switched on and that the gas meter is topped up.
After the inspection and inspection, it's a good idea to give the completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to tenants who are new before moving in. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents that you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to let you carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could write an email explaining why you require access to the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant is still refusing, you can consider starting an Section 21 eviction process.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. That means you don't need to schedule it separately or worry about when you'll need get it done. You can rest assured that our team will be there to assist you should you need to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree website for more details about our landlord insurance plans. You can also enroll for a free estimate to learn more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our no-price hike guarantee guarantees that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.