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What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord, it is important to know your responsibilities when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues at least once a year. You should also give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is an official document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after conducting a safety inspection. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good order and to send copies of the document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties examined and obtain an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections not later than one month before the current certificate is due to expire. This allows them to avoid 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. This engineer will carry out a full inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. The engineer will also check each appliance's emergency controls. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs needed in order to bring them back up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them to let them in by writing a strong letter explaining why they need the inspections to be conducted and what happens should they refuse to let them in. If this fails the landlord might decide to start the eviction process by serving an Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must provide your tenants with a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check being conducted. This must be provided to existing tenants, as well as any new tenants before they move in. Additionally, you must also keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
In general, landlords are responsible to ensure that all gas appliances within their homes are regularly inspected by a gas safety certificate duplicate Safe certified engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the test. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be distributed to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, but it is recommended to store them online to reduce the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual service and gas security checks. If a tenant refuses to admit access, the law says that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the check. It may be necessary to write to the tenant, asking them to contact an engineer directly and repeat requests for access. It could also involve contact with the local council, who might be able to send an official circular to explain the importance of granting access to safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to allow access, the landlord should consider beginning the process of eviction. While this should be a last resort but it is legal right for a landlord to expel a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer prior to taking such a step.
The landlord is responsible to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is true 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 work together, with clear division of duties, to ensure that the statutory requirements are fully met.
It is essential to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but it is important to inquire with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
When a landlord rents their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the residents who live there. Gas safety certificates show that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a qualified engineer and deemed safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety inspections done each year, and to ensure that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of issue.
The landlord must also provide the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 working days following the conclusion of any checks. Similarly, they must give any new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this policy but only when the property is used for short-term leases such as holiday cottages for students or student housing. It's a good idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, since it can i get a copy of my gas safe certificate save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues do not meet safety standards during an inspection, he must fix them in the shortest time possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations for landlords and gas safety inspections are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations, they could face prosecution, which can result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the offending party.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord that needs to arrange a gas safety inspection. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and carry out a thorough inspection and provide you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our website for more details.
What is an annual gas check?
You are legally accountable for an annual gas safety certificate homeowner safety inspection every year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues as well as any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that everything is safe and up-to-date. They will examine the flues and gas appliances and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and the inspection, it's a good idea to give the completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants before they move into the property. It is also recommended to keep a copy of the gas safety record 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 does not allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean writing a strong letter stating why you require access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant is still refusing to allow access, you could consider launching the Section 21 eviction process.
When you purchase an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree the annual how often gas safety certificate safety check is included. That means you don't need to schedule it separately or fret about when you'll need do it. You can also be assured that we're there for you should you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our insurance for landlords. Request an estimate to learn more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.