15 Unexpected Facts About What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate That You've Never Heard Of
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's important to understand your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas at your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the owner following a safety inspection. The document should include all the details regarding the gas pipework of the property and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that all these things are in good functioning order and provide their tenants with copies of the document they have completed.
All landlords are legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least a month prior to the expiration of their current certificate. This will help them avoid any coverage gaps and provide the best protection to their tenants.
To get a gas safety certificate for your landlord You will need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will inspect every gas appliance and pipework in the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to allow the landlord in, the landlord could try to convince them by delivering a letter that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they do not allow them entry. If this doesn't work the landlord may look into initiating the eviction process by sending them a Section 21 notice.
As a landlord, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. The record should be given to existing tenants, as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. In addition, you must keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances within their homes are regularly inspected by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120, depending on the extent of the inspection. The engineer will issue a CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. This document is required to be handed out to tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. The document is a proof of the inspection and should be stored by the landlord two years following the date of the first inspection. It is recommended to keep the documents online to reduce waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to conduct annual gas safety and service checks. The law states that if a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain access and complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. This could also mean calling the local council, who may be able to send an official letter to explain the importance of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant is still refusing to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who do not cooperate with security checks. This can be a complicated process, so landlords must consult a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This applies even if the property has been wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements must work together, with an explicit allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is crucial to find out who is responsible for conducting the gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should consult with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the residents who reside there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to tenants. 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 date of issue.
It is also an obligation of law that the landlord hand the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. Similarly, the landlord must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move into.
There are some exceptions to this rule but only in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals like holiday cottages or student housing. It is an ideal idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, because it will save you a lot of hassle and legal issues in the future.
If a landlord finds that any of their appliances or flues are unsafe during the process of an inspection, they must make arrangements for them to be repaired as soon as they can. This may mean disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above the regulations regarding gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be observed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules, they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an extensive inspection and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we offer the same day service for emergency situations. For more information, give us a an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it's your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety check. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes pipework, flues, and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. 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.
After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to any new tenants prior to when they move in. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety tests 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. You could write a letter explaining the reason you have to gain access to the property as well as the safety inspections that are required. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, you could consider launching the Section 21 eviction process.
The annual gas safety inspection is covered by 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 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 find out more about the coverage and price. Our no price hike promise means that your annual premium will not rise more than the rate of inflation for the first year.