If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your responsibilities when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be examined annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give the gas safety certificate to each tenant.What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety audit. The document should include all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good working order and to send copies of the completed form to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months and obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of the current certificate. This allows them to avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will inspect every gas appliance and pipework in the property. The engineer will also test each appliance's emergency controls. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord could attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what would happen should they refuse to allow them access. If this fails the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by delivering an Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. This must be provided to current tenants as well as to new tenants prior to their move into the property. You must also keep the original record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks of the test being 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, but it is recommended that they are stored online to reduce paper waste.
Landlords must also ensure that they can access the property to conduct annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant does not allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to complete the check. It could be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, asking them to contact an engineer directly, and to repeat requests for entry. It could also involve calling the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If the tenant refuses to let access in and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before taking this step because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes, appliances and flues they own and supply for use by the tenants. This applies even if the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent managing their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency in advance to ensure you are covered.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that the property is safe for the people who reside there. A gas safety certificate shows that all the gas appliances and flues in the property have been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are provided to the tenants. The checks must be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
It is also an obligation of law 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 time, such as the student house or holiday home. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract in order to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he should fix them in the shortest time possible. This could involve disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found be in breach of the regulations they could face prosecution and could face fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord and need to arrange an inspection of your gas safety, mkgassafety Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergencies. Call us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, such as flues, pipework and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter has money on it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants copies of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and test was completed. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. Keep a copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You can send an explanation in a letter of why you need to access the property and the security checks involved. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, you could consider launching an Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord through Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. You don't have to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will have to do it. You can also rest assured that we're here for you in the event that you have to renew your policy or amend any details.
For more information about our insurance for landlords check out the Hometree website. Register for an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our no price hike promise means that your annual cost will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.
