Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances chimneys, flues and chimneys are inspected every year. The law also requires that you give a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer believes that any installation or appliance is imminently dangerous the engineer will request permission to shut off the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a document that demonstrates that all the gas appliances in the rental property and flues have been examined by a certified gas engineer. Landlords are legally required to arrange a gas safety check annually for each rental property they own. The inspection is carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all pipework, appliances, and flues are in good working order and that they are in compliance with safety standards.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) after each annual inspection and test for gas safety. This should be provided to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for the CORGI Proforma 12 that was used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form lists the date of the last gas inspection and test as well as the results of these, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, and the name of the person who conducted the inspection.
The engineer will give advice if the Gas Safety Check reveals any problems with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be corrected to make it safe to use. If an appliance is deemed to be Immediately Dangerous or abnormally lethal, the gas supply will need to be disconnected until the issue has been resolved.
If a tenant does not permit access to the gas safety checks to be completed, it is a criminal offence. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction order if necessary, however it is generally more efficient to simply send a well written letter that explains why it is essential that the checks are carried out and what they will involve. what is gas safety certificate will convince a tenant who is reluctant to allow access and, in the event that they do otherwise, the landlord could have to think about starting the process of eviction.
How often should I receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords and letting agencies are required by law to conduct an annual safety check on all flues and gas appliances that are supplied to their tenants. This is to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and that there are no gas leaks in the building. Gas inspections are a vital obligation for landlords and they should ensure that they are conducted by a qualified engineer.
how long does a gas safety certificate last (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is legal document that confirms that a gas inspection has been performed by a licensed engineer within the past 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should also be given to the tenant to verify the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months, and must be renewed every year.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants with an Gas Safety Certificate then they are breaking the law and could be punished by the local authority. It is therefore essential for landlords to have their Gas Safety checks carried out in a timely manner and to keep a copy of the documentation in case a tenant needs it.
It's also a good idea for landlords to set up inspection hatches on all gas appliances so that the engineers can easily access them for annual inspections. The engineer will label the appliance as 'at-risk' and may suggest that the tenant refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords must also give tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This allows the tenants to prepare for the visit and provide permission, if required. If a tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry the landlord should send a letter to them explaining the reason for the visit and what will happen if they don't follow through. If the tenant does not allow the engineer entry, the landlord could think about evicting the tenant in accordance with section 21 of 1988 Housing Act.
What happens if you don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence, it's a landlord's legal duty to ensure that their property is equipped with a valid gas safety certification before tenants move into the property. Failure to adhere to this law can result in the landlord being prosecuted or being fined a significant amount. The regulations stipulate that landlords must also provide copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord to conduct an inspection of the gas supply to all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will identify any issues that could be a threat to tenants. The engineer will issue a CP12 Gas Safety Document, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is an important document that every tenant must keep. It includes information about the gas installations of a rental property as well as information regarding when they last tested and their expiry dates. It will help tenants recognize issues with their appliances or installations and make sure they know how contact an Gas Safe Engineer to have them checked.
Landlords are required to provide their current and new tenants with a gas safety check report within 28 days of the engineer visiting their property. The landlord is also required to provide the copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords that fail to provide the copy of the gas certificate may be prosecuted and face unlimited fines or six months in prison.
The same way landlords must ensure that carbon monoxide detectors work in their homes and arrange for them being checked every month. The landlord is responsible for repairing the problem if the alarm does not work. The rules governing this are applicable to council, private and housing association landlords as well as to licensable houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
In June 2017 the High Court ruled that it was illegal for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid gas Safety Certificate. The decision was by reference to the law which states that landlords of assured shorthold tenancies must obtain a record of their gas safety for their property prior to the time tenants move into.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that gas appliances, flues and pipework in the properties they lease are safe. This is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To comply with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas inspections of all gas appliances and flues they provide to tenants. This is known as a CP12 gas safety certificate, and it has to be signed by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also consider conducting a boiler inspection at the same time as the CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Landlords can typically get a combined CP12 and boiler service at a reasonable price from a qualified gas engineer who will be able to check the seals on boiler burners, check the flue system for leaks and cracks as well as clean the burner and heat exchanger and conduct general maintenance.
The CP12 is sometimes referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate", although it is actually known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It contains the results of the safety checks, as well as details of any problems or actions that must be taken care of. Landlords are required to give their tenants the CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is crucial that landlords or letting agents only allow Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea educate tenants on the necessity of allowing access, and explain that the gas engineer is there to help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant does not permit access, the landlord or agent must outline the legal obligations in writing. They should then visit the property and force entry if required.
Tenants should always ask to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to entering the premises to prove that they're competent to work on your home's gas systems and are able to complete the gas safety check efficiently and effectively. It is also important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally able to disconnect faulty equipment and cut off gas lines if necessary.