The Reasons What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Isn't As Easy As You Imagine

What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

If you're a property owner, it's crucial to know your responsibilities when it comes 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 checked every year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. Also, you must provide the gas safety certificate to each tenant.

What is a gas safety certificate?

A gas safety certificate for a landlord is a legal document that a Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property after conducting a safety audit. It should contain all of the information regarding the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are checked 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 legally required to have their properties inspected every 12 months, and to obtain an annual certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This helps them avoid any coverage gaps and offer the most secure protection to their tenants.

To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate You will need to make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework in the house. The engineer will also test the appliance's emergency control. The engineer will also test the emergency controls on each appliance.

If a tenant is refusing allow access for the inspection, the landlord could try to convince them by sending a strongly worded letter outlining why they require the inspections to be conducted and what happens if they don't let them in. If this doesn't work the landlord may think about initiating the eviction process by giving them an Section 21 notice.

Your tenants must receive an original copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record, within 28 days after each inspection. This should be provided to existing tenants, as well as any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. It is also necessary to keep the original document for two years.

What is a gas safety certification for tenants?

In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances within their homes are regularly inspected by an Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement, and the cost can range from PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the test. The engineer will issue the CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks after the test has been completed. This document is 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 recommended to store them online to reduce paper waste.

The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual gas and service safety checks. The law stipulates that if tenants refuse access, the landlord has to use reasonable measures to gain entry and complete the inspection. This could include writing to them, requesting them to contact the engineer directly, and repeating requests for access. This could also mean calling the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the importance of granting access for safety and maintenance checks.

If a tenant continues to refuse to allow access, the landlord should consider initiating the process of expulsion. While this is not a last option however, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. This is a complex procedure, and landlords should consult with a lawyer prior to making a decision.

The landlord is accountable to provide gas appliances, pipes and flues for tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties. However, the original landlord and any other person who acquires duties through contractual arrangements should cooperate, with a clear allocation of responsibilities, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.

It is essential to find out whether a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, but you should inquire with the agency to make sure that you are protected.

What is a gas safety certificate for sub-let?

If a landlord leases their property they need to ensure that it is safe for the residents living there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe.  Full Statement  is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they have their gas safety checks done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and date of issue.

It is also an obligation of law for landlords to provide the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any tests being completed. In the same way, they must provide new tenants a copy of the CP12 form prior to moving into the property.

There are exceptions to this policy, however, if the property is used for short-term rentals like student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract to avoid legal issues in the future.

If a landlord finds that their appliances or flues are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he should repair them as soon as he can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords must ensure that their gas technicians have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to performing any work.

Despite the exemptions mentioned above the rules for landlords and gas safety inspections are strict and must also be followed. If a landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations they could face prosecution, which can result in penalties of fines or even jail time for the party who committed the offense.

Total Landlord is here to help you if you're a landlord who needs to schedule an inspection of gas safety. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with an CP12 gas safety certificate. We offer competitive rates and same-day service in the event of an emergency. Contact us or visit our site today for more information.

What is an annual gas check?

Legally, you are accountable for an annual gas safety check each year if you rent out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, such as pipes, flues and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.

A certified Gas Safe engineer will inspect your property and make sure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also check that the gas supply is working and that the gas meter has money on it.

After the inspection and examination, it's a good idea to provide the completed gas safety report to your tenants. The record must be handed out to any existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenants prior to when they move into the property. You should also keep a copy of the gas safety record for yourself and any agents you hire.

Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If tenants refuse to allow the check or maintenance work to be completed, you must take'reasonable steps' to gain access. You can send an explanation in a letter of why you require access to the property and the safety checks involved. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, you could consider launching an Section 21 eviction process.

Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about scheduling it separately or when you will need to do it. You can also be confident that we've got your back should you need to renew your insurance or alter any information.

For more information on our insurance for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a no-cost quote to learn more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our promise of no price hikes means that you won't pay more in your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.