7 Practical Tips For Making The Best Use Of Your What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate

What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

If you're a landlord it is important to know your obligations when it comes to the safety of gas in your property. Landlords must adhere to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

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

What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?

A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of the property after carrying out a safety check. This should include all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues, and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that these items are in good order and to send copies of the completed document to their tenants.

All landlords are required by law to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain a new certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they plan their inspections no more than one month prior to when the certificate due to expire. This helps them avoid any lapse in coverage and offers the most effective protection for their tenants.

To get a landlord gas safety certificate you must make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance.

If the tenant refuses to allow the landlord to in, the landlord can try to persuade the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains the reason for the checks and what happens to them if they refuse to allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord should look into initiating the eviction process by serving them with an Section 21 notice.

As  gas safety certificate homeowner , you must give your tenants an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the date each check is that is carried out. The record should be given to existing tenants, as well as any new tenants before they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original record for a period of 2 years.

What is a gas safety certification for tenants?

In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances within their properties are checked annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the test. The engineer will provide a CP12 to the landlord following the inspection. The CP12 must be provided 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, although it's recommended that they are stored online to minimize the amount of paper used.

The landlords must also ensure that they can access the property for annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant refuses to permit access, the law says that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to gain entry to carry out the check. This could include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for access. It can also include calling the local council, who may be able to send an official circular to explain the necessity of granting access for safety and maintenance inspections.

If a tenant still refuses to give access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove tenants who do not cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this action as it can be complicated.

The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes, appliances and flues that they own and offer to tenants. This is true regardless of whether the property is wholly or partly sub-let by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and anyone who acquires duties through contractual arrangements must cooperate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the legal requirements are met.

It is crucial to find out whether a landlord has hired an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also ask who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but you should check with the agency to make sure that you are covered.

What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?

If a landlord leases their property, they have to ensure that the property is safe for the residents who live there. A gas safety certificate shows that all gas appliances and flues in the property have been inspected and deemed safe by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord is responsible to ensure that gas safety checks are conducted each year, and copies of the certificates are handed out to the tenants. 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 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 of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.

This rule is not applicable when the property is rented out for a short time, such as the student house or holiday home. It is recommended to include details of these exemptions in your tenancy contract, since it can save you a lot of hassle and potential legal issues in the future.

If a landlord finds that their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This may mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply. Landlords must make sure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with a photo ID prior to carrying out any work.

Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations regarding landlords and gas safety inspections are very strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found to be in violation of the rules, they may be charged, which can result in fines or even jail sentences for the person who is in breach.

If you're a landlord and want to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform a full check and issue the CP12 certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we can provide a same day service in the event of an emergency. For more information, give us the number or visit our website today.

What is an annual gas safety check?

Legally, you are obliged to conduct a gas safety check every year, if you lease some or all of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, such as flues, pipework and any fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.

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

After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to give the completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be given to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move in. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you use.

Landlords are responsible for arranging and paying for gas safety inspections and certificates for their properties. If a tenant does not permit you to conduct the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could mean sending a strongly worded letter stating why you require access to the property and what the safety checks will involve. If the tenant refuses to give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might be considering a Section 21 eviction.

When you purchase an insurance policy for your landlord with Hometree the annual gas safety check is included. There's no need to fret about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you'll require it. You can also be confident that we've got your back in the event that you have to renew your insurance or alter any information.

Visit the Hometree website for more details about our insurance for landlords. Register for an estimate to find out more about the coverage and price. Our no price hike promise guarantees that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.