What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
It's crucial to know your obligations as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be examined each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide the gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate to the owner following an inspection for safety. The document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that these 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 every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of the current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage lapse and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate, an engineer registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will examine all gas appliances and pipework in the house. In addition the engineer will test the emergency control for each appliance. If just click the next post of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct repair work needed in order to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord in, the landlord could attempt to persuade them by sending them an explanation in the letter of the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they refuse to let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord may consider starting the eviction process by serving them with a Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check that is carried out. This should be given to existing tenants as well as any new tenants, before they move in. Additionally, you must keep a copy the lease for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate 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, depending on the scope of the inspection. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. The document is a record that should be kept by the landlord two years following the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security inspections. If a tenant is unwilling to permit access, the law states that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to complete the check. It could be necessary to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly and to repeatedly request access. This could also mean contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to grant access, the landlord should consider initiating the process of expulsion. While this should be considered a last option 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 step because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for the 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 takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's worth checking with the agency in advance to ensure you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents their property they need to make sure that it is safe for the residents living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are performed every year, and that copies of the certificates are handed out to tenants. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are some exceptions to this rule but only when the property is used for short-term leases like holiday cottages for students or student housing. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that any of their flues or appliances aren't safe during the course of an inspection they must arrange for them to be fixed as soon as possible. This could mean the removal and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be complied with. If the landlord is found be in violation of the regulations they may be charged which could result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the person who is in breach.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord who needs to arrange an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct an extensive inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our site today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety inspection?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct a gas safety check every year if you rent out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including flues and pipework, and any fittings and fixtures that make use of or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test the flues and gas appliances, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
It's a good idea give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and check was carried out. The record must be handed out to tenants who are currently tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. However, if the tenant refuses to allow the inspection or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain entry. This may include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you need access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant refuses to give you access then you might think about an Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll require it. You can rest assured that our team will be available to help you if you're looking to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. Register for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and price. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.