What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

It's important that you understand your responsibilities as a landlord with regards to gas safety. Landlords are required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances at least once a year. You must also give the gas safety record to each tenant.

What is a gas safety certification for landlords?

A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a formal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. The document should contain all the details regarding the gas pipework in the property and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good working order and to give copies of the document to their tenants.

The law requires that every landlord has their property checked and receive a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This will help them avoid any gaps in coverage and provide the best security for their tenants.

To get a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an exhaustive inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be dangerous the engineer will advise you on the correct work required to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.

If a tenant is refusing permit access to the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them to let them in by writing a strong letter that explains why they should have the inspections to be conducted and what would happen if they don't allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by delivering the tenant with 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 provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants, prior to the time they move into the property. In addition, you must also keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.

What is a tenant gas safety certificate?

Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60 and PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will issue the CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The document must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test has been completed. The document is a record and should be stored by the landlord two years following the date of the initial inspection. It is recommended to store them online in order to reduce waste.

The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual gas and service security inspections. The law stipulates that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the check. It is possible to write to the tenant, ask them to contact an engineer directly and repeatedly request access. It could also involve contacting the local council who may be able send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.

If the tenant is unwilling to allow access to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice before making this decision as it may be difficult.

The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment they own and supply for use by the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublet the property to an outside party. However the original landlord and any other person who has been assigned responsibilities by contract, should collaborate to ensure that compliance with the statutory requirements.

If a landlord has hired the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is crucial to find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to inquire with the agency ahead of time to be certain that you are protected.

What is a sub-let gas safety certification?

When a landlord rents out their property, they must ensure that it is safe for those living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a certified engineer and found to be safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done each year, and to ensure that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of the issue.

The landlord is also required to give the tenants the copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. Similarly, the landlord must provide a copy CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.

There are exceptions to this policy however, if the property is used for short-term lets such as student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract 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 should make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This may require the disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, mkgassafety.co.Uk and must check their identity by seeing their photocard before carrying out any work.

Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations governing gas safety checks for landlords are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they could be prosecuted and could face fines or even jail sentences.

If you're a landlord and need to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we provide an 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 obliged to conduct an annual gas safety inspection every year, if you lease the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances like pipes and flues as well as any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gas.

Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to-date. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also ensure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is topped up.

It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and test was completed. It must be provided to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move into the property. Keep a copy of your gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.

Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This may include sending a strongly worded letter explaining why you need access to the property and what security checks will be. If the tenant still refuses, you can consider starting the Section 21 eviction process.

When you buy an insurance policy for landlords through Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. This means that you don't need to arrange it separately or fret about when you'll have to do it. You can be assured that our team will be available to assist you should you want to update your policy information or renew your policy.

Visit the Hometree site to find out more about our insurance for landlords. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our no price hike promise means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.