If you're a landlord it's crucial to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are mandatory for landlords.
Gas Safe registered engineers must check your appliances and flues regularly on site. You should also provide a copy of your gas safety certificate to every tenant.What is a gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This should include all of the information about the properties 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 give copies of the document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. 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. The engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the house. Additionally the engineer will examine the emergency controls of each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be hazardous the engineer will advise you on the correct repair work required to bring them up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord can attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter outlining why they require the inspections to be conducted and what happens should they refuse to allow them to enter. If this fails the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by sending them a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, 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. You should also keep the original record for a period of two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances in their properties are checked annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 based on the extent of the check. The engineer will provide the CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The CP12 must be given to the tenants within four weeks after the test is completed. This document serves as an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the first inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to minimize the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service inspections. The law stipulates that if tenants refuse access, the landlord must use reasonable measures to gain access and complete the check. This can include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for access. It can also include contact with the local council, who may be able send an official round to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.
If a tenant still refuses to give access the landlord should think about beginning the process of expulsion. While this should be a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with security checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer prior to making a decision.
The landlord is responsible for all gas pipework, appliances and flues that they own and offer for use by 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 who has been assigned responsibilities through a contract, must work together to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements.
It is important to find out whether a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for arranging gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's worth checking with the agency ahead of time to ensure you are protected.
What is a gas safety certificate for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they must ensure that it is safe for the people living there. A gas safety certificate proves that all gas appliances and flues within the property have been checked and deemed safe by an accredited gas engineer. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks completed every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be carried out by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form must include their ID number and date of the issue.
The landlord must also give tenants a copy of the gas certificate within 28 days after the completion of any checks. In the same way, landlords must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move into.
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 as part of your tenancy contract to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, they must repair them as soon as he can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords must ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are very strict and must be complied with. If the landlord is found to be in breach of the rules, they may be charged, which can result in fines and even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual check-up on gas?
You are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues as well as the fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
It is a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety report after the inspection and verification was carried out. The record must be handed out to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants before they move in. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents that you use.
Landlords are responsible for organizing and paying for gas safety checks and certificates for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling 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 need to access the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant is unwilling to allow you access then you might want to consider an Section 21 eviction.
When you buy 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 need to do it. You can also rest assured that we're there for you if you need to renew your insurance or change any information.
For more information on our landlord insurance packages you can visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about what's included and how much you'll pay. Our promise of no price increase means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.
