Blog entry by Patti Tovar
what is a landlord gas safety certificate uk gas safety certificate (m.emmol.net)?
It's important that you understand your obligations as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of your gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the property owner following a safety inspection. The document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these things are in good operating order and to provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month before expiration of the current certificate. This will help them avoid any gaps in coverage and ensure the best protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord, you will need to make arrangements for an Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will inspect every gas appliance and pipework within the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency control for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant is unwilling to let the landlord in, the landlord may attempt to persuade them by sending them a letter that explains why the checks are required and what happens to them if they refuse to let them in. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then think about initiating the eviction process by giving them a Section 21 notice.
Your tenants must receive a copy of a completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days following each inspection. The record should be given to existing tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move in. You must also keep the original document for two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certification?
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 range from PS60 to PS120, depending on the scope of the check. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, and it must be distributed to the tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document serves as an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, however it is advised to keep 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 carry out the annual service and gas safety inspections. If a tenant refuses to permit access, the law stipulates that the landlord must take'reasonable steps' to gain access to carry out 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 access. It could also involve calling the local council, who may be able send an official letter to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in and the landlord is considering the possibility of eviction. While this is not a last option, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with essential safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step because it could be a complicated process.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is the case even if the landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and anyone else who has been given duties by contract, must cooperate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it is important to inquire with the agency ahead of time to be certain that you are fully covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the people who reside there. A gas safety certificate shows that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property have been checked and deemed safe by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted every year, and copies of the certificates are provided to the tenants. The checks should be carried out by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and a date of issue.
The landlord is also required to give tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days following the conclusion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move into.
There are exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term lets like student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers that any of their appliances or flues aren't safe in the course of an inspection, they should arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules governing landlords and gas safety checks are very strict and must be followed. If a landlord gas safety certificate how often is found to be in violation of the regulations they could be prosecuted, which can result in fines or even jail sentences for the person who is in breach.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your home and conduct a thorough inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are affordable and we offer the same day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety certificate check check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will examine the gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also check that the gas supply is turned on and the gas meter has money on it.
It's a good idea provide your tenants with copies of the completed gas safety record after the inspection and verification was completed. The record must be handed out to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move into the property. You should keep a copy for yourself and any agents you use.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant refuses to let you carry out the maintenance or inspection, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you require access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant does not allow you access, you may think about a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you will require it. You can also rest assured that we're there for you if you need to renew your policy or alter any information.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our landlord insurance plans. You can also sign up for a free quote to learn more about the packages and how much gas safety certificate much you'll pay. Our promise of no price hikes means that you will not pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.