What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

It's important that you understand your responsibilities as landlords when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998, are a requirement for landlords.

You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give a copy of your gas safety record to every tenant.

What is a gas safety certificate?

A gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following carrying out a safety check. It should contain all the information about the properties gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items are in good working order and that they provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.

The law requires that all landlords have their property examined and obtain a new gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require that landlords plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of the current certificate. This allows them to prevent any coverage gaps and provide the best security for their tenants.

In order to obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will perform a full examination of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. Additionally the engineer will test the emergency control for each appliance. If any of the appliances are deemed to be dangerous, the engineer will advise you on the correct work needed in order to bring them up to standards and issue a new gas safety certificate.

If the tenant is unwilling to allow the landlord in, the landlord can try to persuade them by delivering a letter that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they do not allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord gas safety certificate how often may consider starting the eviction process by giving them an Section 21 notice.

It is mandatory to provide your tenants with copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after every check. This should be provided to existing tenants as well as to any new tenants prior to when they move in. You should also keep the original record for a period of 2 years.

What is a tenant gas safety certificate?

Generally speaking, landlords should ensure that all gas appliances in their properties are tested annually by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost can vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the extent of the check. The engineer will issue the cp12 certificate (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, which must be handed over to tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the initial inspection, however it is recommended to store them online to help reduce the amount of the amount of paper used.

Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual gas and service security checks. The law stipulates that if the tenant refuses access, the landlord must take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and complete the inspection. This may include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It could also involve contacting the local council who might be able to send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.

If a tenant is still refusing to give access to the property, the landlord should think about initiating the process of expulsion. 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. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before taking such a step.

The landlord is required to supply gas appliances, pipework and flues for the tenants. This is the case even if a landlord sublets the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and anyone who has been given duties through a contract, must work together to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements.

If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is essential that they find out who is responsible for conducting the gas safety tests. Some agents will assume responsibility for this, but it's important to check with the agency in advance to ensure that you are protected.

What is a sub-let gas safety certification?

When a landlord rents their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for those who live there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified engineer and found to be safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are performed every year, and copies of the certificates are given to the tenants. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.

The landlord must also give tenants a copy the gas certificate within 28 working days after the completion of any checks. In the same way, they must provide new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.

There are exceptions to this rule, however, in the case of a property being used for short-term lets like holiday cottages for students or student housing. It is a good idea to include information about these exemptions in your tenancy agreement, since it can save you a lot of trouble and legal complexities in the future.

If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances do not meet the safety standards of an inspection, he must make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by looking at their photo ID before completing any work.

Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations governing landlords and gas safety checks are strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations and is prosecuted, they could be fined and face fines or even prison sentences.

If you're a landlord and want to arrange an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are competitive and we provide a same day service for emergencies. Contact us or visit our website today to learn more.

What is an annual check-up on gas?

Legally, you are responsible for an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out some or all of your home. This includes checking the boiler and other gas appliances including pipes and flues and any fixtures and fittings which use or exhaust gas.

A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is current and safe. They will test all gas appliances and flues, and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is charged up.

After the inspection and the examination, it's a good idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving into. Keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you use.

Landlords have to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If the tenant refuses to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out it is your responsibility to take'reasonable steps' to gain access. You can send a letter explaining the reason you require access to the property and the safety checks that must be conducted. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might be considering an Section 21 eviction.

When you buy a landlord insurance policy with Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. That means you don't need to arrange it separately or worry about when you'll have to get it done. You can be assured that our team will be there to assist you if you're looking to update your policy details or renew your policy.

For more information about our landlord insurance packages, please visit the Hometree website. Request an estimate to find out more about the coverage and costs. Our guarantee of no price increases means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate in the first year.