If you're a property owner, it's important to understand your responsibilities in relation to the safety of gas in your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, are a requirement for landlords.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety report to your tenants.
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the property owner following an inspection to ensure safety. It should contain all of the information about the properties gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that these items are in good order and to give copies of the completed document to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their properties checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. However, the regulations also require landlords to schedule their inspections not later than one month before the date on which their current certificate cost is due to expire. This helps them avoid any gaps in coverage and provide the best protection to their tenants.
To obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe will need to visit the property. This engineer will carry out an exhaustive inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition 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 repairs required to bring them back up to standard and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord could attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter explaining why they need the checks done and what will happen in the event they refuse to allow them to enter. If this fails the landlord could consider starting the eviction by delivering the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must provide your tenants with 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 provided to both existing tenants and any new tenants, before they move into the property. You must also keep the original document for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances within their property are inspected annually by an Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost can range from PS60 to PS120 depending on the scope of the check. The engineer will provide the CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. The document must be provided to tenants within four weeks after the test is 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, but it is recommended that they are stored online to help reduce the amount of paper waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to conduct the annual gas and service security inspections. If a tenant refuses to permit access, the law states that the landlord must take all reasonable steps' to gain entry to complete the inspection. This may include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and reiterating requests for entry. You can also contact the local council, who might be able to send an official to explain why it's important to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access the landlord should think about starting the process of eviction. While this is not a last option but it is legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step as it can be complicated.
The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues to tenants. This is the case regardless of whether the property is completely or partially sub-leased by the landlord to third parties, however the original landlord and any other person who is acquiring responsibilities through contractual arrangements must collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has hired the services of an agent managing their rental properties, it is important to find out who is in charge of organizing the gas safety test. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, however you must consult with the agency to make sure that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certification?
When a landlord rents out their property they need to make sure that it is safe for the residents living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been examined by a certified engineer and are deemed safe. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety checks done each year, and to ensure that copies are given to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must contain the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and the date of the issue.
It is also a legal requirement that the landlord hand tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. The landlord must also give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants before they move in.
This rule is not applicable in the case of a property that has been let for a short duration, such as the student house or holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy contract to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with the safety standards of an inspection, he should make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This could involve disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must check their identity by seeing their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for gas safety inspections for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations and is prosecuted, they could be fined and could face fines or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord who needs to schedule a gas safety inspection. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to perform an entire inspection and provide you with a CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we provide an same-day service in the event of an emergency. Call us or visit our site for more details.
What is an annual gas safety check?
You are legally accountable for an annual gas safety inspection every year if you lease out a part or all your home. This includes checking the boiler as well as other gas appliances including pipes and flues, as well as the fixtures and fittings that make use of or exhaust gas.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also ensure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas meter is stocked with money in it.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to give a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It should be handed out to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants prior to moving in. You should keep an original copy for yourself and any agents that you use.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and inspections for their properties. If a tenant does not allow you to carry out the maintenance or check, then you must take "reasonable steps" to gain access. This could include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you require access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant continues to refuse the request, you may want to consider initiating a Section 21 eviction process.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. This means that you don't need to arrange it separately or worry about when you'll have to do it. You can be assured that our team will be available to assist you should you want to update your policy details or renew your policy.
Visit the Hometree site for more information about our insurance for landlords. Request an estimate to learn more about the coverage and cost. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate of the first year.
You must arrange for your on-site appliances and flues to be inspected each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide a copy of the gas safety report to your tenants.
