If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas Safe registered engineers must examine your flues and appliances regularly on site. Also, you must give a copy of your gas safety certificate to your tenants.
What is a gas safety certification for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. This document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been inspected for safety. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good order and to provide copies of the completed document to their tenants.
All landlords are required by law to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. However, the regulations also require that landlords ensure they schedule their inspections no later than one month prior to when the current certificate is due to expire. This helps them avoid any coverage gaps and offer the most secure security for their tenants.
To get a landlord's gas safety certificate An engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance. The engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance.
If the tenant is unable to let the landlord in, the landlord may try to convince them by delivering an email that explains why the checks are necessary and what will happen to them if they don't allow them to enter. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by serving them with a Section 21 notice.
You must provide your tenants copies of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days of each check. This should be given to all tenants, including any new tenants, prior to the time they move into your property. Additionally, you must keep a copy the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost could vary from PS60 to PS120 depending on the scope of the inspection. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be distributed to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the initial inspection, although it's advised to keep them online to minimize paper waste.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property to carry out the annual service and gas security checks. The law stipulates that if tenants refuse access, the landlord must adopt reasonable measures to gain access and complete the check. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly, and to repeatedly request entry. You may also contact the local council, who may be able send an official to explain why it is crucial to allow access for safety and maintenance checks.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow access, the landlord may consider eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to remove 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 responsible for all gas pipes as well as flues, appliances and appliances that they own and provide for use by the tenants. This is true even if the property has been completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and anyone who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
It is crucial to determine whether a landlord has employed a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for organizing gas safety tests. Some agents are responsible for this, but it is worth checking with the agency ahead of time to ensure that you are covered.
If a landlord leases their property they need to ensure that it is safe for the people living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a qualified engineer and are deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord safety certificate to ensure that they receive their gas safety certificate check safety inspections done each year and that copies are passed onto the tenants who live there. The checks must be performed by an gas safety certificate for landlords Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement for landlords to provide tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. Similarly, they must give new tenants a copy the CP12 form prior to their move into the property.
There are exceptions to this policy, however, when the property is used for short-term rentals like holiday cottages or student housing. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy agreement to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord discovers their flues or appliances do not meet the safety standards of an inspection, they must make the necessary repairs in the shortest time possible. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas safety certificate near me supply to the appliance or installation. Landlords should ensure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity with their photocard prior to performing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned earlier, the regulations for landlords and gas safety inspections are very strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to not comply with the regulations they could face prosecution, which can result in fines or even jail sentences for the offending party.
If you're a landlord who needs to arrange for an inspection of your gas safety, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection and issue an CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are reasonable and we provide a same day service for emergencies. For more information, give us an email or call us on our website today.
What is an annual gas check?
If you rent out part or all of your home, it is your legal responsibility to have an annual gas safety check. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, such as flues, pipework and any fittings or fixtures that utilize or exhaust gases.
A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure everything is up to date and safe. They will examine 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 filled up.
After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants prior to they move in. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If a tenant is unwilling to let you carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. You could write an email explaining why you have to gain access to the property and the safety checks involved. If the tenant is unwilling to let you in, you may want to consider the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. There's no need to fret about arranging it in a separate manner, or when you'll require it. You can also be assured that we've got your back should you need to renew your insurance or change any information.
For more information on our landlord insurance packages check out the Hometree website. You can also enroll for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll have to pay. Our no-price hike guarantee means that your annual premium will not increase more than the rate of inflation for the first year.