It's important that you understand your responsibilities as a landlord when it comes to gas safety. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 are required for landlords.You should arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give an original copy of your gas safety certificate to every tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue a landlord gas safety certification to the owner following a safety inspection. It should contain all of the details about the property's gas pipework, flues and appliances that are inspected for safety. Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that all these items are in good operating order and to provide their tenants with copies of the completed document.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months, and to obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require landlords to plan their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a gas safety certificate for your landlord, you will need to make arrangements for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of all of the gas appliances and installation pipes within the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency control for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct repairs needed in order to bring them up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If a tenant is refusing to permit access to the inspection, the landlord may try to persuade them by sending a strongly worded letter explaining why they need the checks to be completed and what happens if they don't allow them to enter. If this doesn't work the landlord should consider starting the eviction process by serving them with an Section 21 notice.
As landlord, you are required to provide your tenants with a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of every check that is carried out. This must be provided to current tenants as well as new tenants prior to their move into the property. Additionally, you must keep a copy of the document for a period of two years.
What is a tenant gas safety certificate?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances in their property are inspected annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. This is a legal requirement and the costs can vary between PS60-PS120 based on the items included in the inspection. The engineer will issue an CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord after the inspection, and it must be handed over to tenants within four weeks of the test having been completed. This document is 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 recommended that they are stored online to reduce the amount of paper used.
Landlords must also make sure that they have access to the property to conduct the annual service and gas safety checks. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the inspection. It is possible to contact the tenant in writing, asking them to contact an engineer directly and to repeatedly request access. You can also contact your local council, who might be able send an official to explain why it's essential to allow access for maintenance and safety inspections.
If the tenant is unwilling to let access in to the property, the landlord could consider the possibility of eviction. While this should be considered a last resort however, it is a legal right for a landlord to evict a tenant who refuses to cooperate with safety checks. This is a complex process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before taking such a step.
The landlord is responsible to supply gas appliances, pipes and flues for the tenants. This is true even if the landlord sublet the property to a third party. However, the original landlord, and any other person who has been given duties by contract, must work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
It is important to find out if a landlord has hired a managing agent for their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Certain agents will assume this responsibility, but you should check with the agency to confirm that you are protected.
What is a sub-let gas safety certificate?
If a landlord leases their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the people who reside there. Gas safety certificates prove that all gas appliances and flues have been checked by a licensed engineer and found to be safe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they receive their gas safety inspections done every year and that copies are given to the tenants who live there. The checks should be performed by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should include their ID number and a date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement for the landlord to give tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. Similarly, the landlord must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move into.
This rule is not applicable when the property is let out for a brief period of time, like an apartment for students or a holiday cottage. Include these exemptions in the terms of your tenancy agreement to avoid any future legal issues.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances aren't safe during the process of an inspection, they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as is possible. This could mean disconnection and reconnection of the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords must make sure that their gas engineers have Gas Safe registration and verify their identity using their photo card prior to completing any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the rules for landlords and gas safety inspections are extremely strict and must be adhered to. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the rules they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even prison sentences.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange for a gas safety inspection, Total Landlord can help. We have a network of Gas Safe engineers who can visit your property, carry out a full inspection and issue a CP12 gas safety certificate. Our prices are affordable and we offer the same day service for emergencies. For more information, give us a the number or Www.mkgassafety.Co.Uk visit our website today.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to conduct an annual gas safety test. This includes checking your boiler as well as any other gas appliances, which includes flues, pipework and any fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and make sure that everything is safe and up-to-date. They will examine the gas appliances and flues and look for indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
After the inspection and check, it's a great idea to provide a copy of your completed gas safety report to your tenants. It must be given to existing tenants within 28-days and to new tenants before moving into. You should keep an original copy for yourself and any agents you employ.
Landlords must arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. If tenants refuse to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. This may include writing a strong letter explaining why you need access to the property and what safety checks will involve. If the tenant is unwilling to give you access and you are not able to gain access, you might think about a Section 21 eviction.
The annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't have to worry about scheduling it separately or when you will have to do it. You can rest 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 on our insurance plans for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free quote to find out more about the packages and how much you'll pay. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual premium won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.
