Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As an owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys undergo annual checks. The law also requires that you provide a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that an device or installation to be immediately dangerous they will ask for permission to disconnect the gas supply and recommend that inspection hatches are installed.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
how long does gas safety certificate last for landlords is an official document that proves that all gas appliances and flues within the rental property have been inspected by an experienced gas engineer. Landlords are legally required arrange a gas safety check annually for each rental property they own. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and verify that all pipes, appliances and flues comply with safety standards.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) at the time of each annual inspection and test for gas safety. This should be given to tenants within 28 days following the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the beginning of their lease.
CP12 is an abbreviation for the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before it was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form contains the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, their results, any steps that need to be taken, as well as the name and the title of the engineer that conducted the inspection.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any issues with a gas appliance the engineer will provide advice on what needs to be done to ensure it is safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediately dangerous or Abnormally Lethal the gas supply must be disconnected until the issue has been resolved.
If a tenant does not allow access for gas safety checks to be carried out, it is an infraction that is punishable by law. A landlord can ask the courts for an injunction order in the event of need, but it is generally more efficient to send a clearly worded letter explaining the reason why the checks are made and what they'll involve. This should encourage a tenant who is reluctant to allow access to the house. If not, the landlord will need to begin the eviction process.
How often should I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
The law requires that landlords and let agents are required by law to conduct an annual safety check of all gas appliances and chimneys that they provide to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe for use and that there aren't gas leaks within the property. Gas inspections are a crucial obligation for landlords, and they should ensure that they are conducted by a certified engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document that affirms that an engineer has completed a gas inspection within the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should be presented to the tenant in order to demonstrate the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and has to be renewed annually.
A landlord who is unable to provide the Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should also keep a copy of the certificate in case tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea, since it allows engineers to easily access the appliances to conduct annual inspections. The engineer will classify the appliance as being at-risk and may recommend that the tenant refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords must also give their tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to plan their inspection and request permission if they need. If a tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer access the landlord should send a letter to them explaining why the engineer is required and what will happen if they don't follow through. If the tenant is still refusing, then the landlord should think about evicting them under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What happens if you don't own a Gas Safety Certificate?
In short it's a landlord's legal duty to ensure that their home has a valid gas safety certification prior to the time tenants move into the property. Failure to do this is an offence that can lead to landlords being punished with severe fines. The regulations require that landlords are required to provide copies of gas safety records to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental home of the landlord to perform a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection the engineer will take note of any issues that may present a danger for tenants. The engineer will then issue an CP12 Gas Safety Document, which is also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is a crucial piece of documentation that every tenant must get a hold of and keep. It contains information about the gas installations in a rented property and also details on when they were last tested and when they expire. It can help tenants spot any issues with their installation or appliances and make sure that they know how to contact a Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords must give the gas safety report to their tenants, both new and existing within 28 days of the date that the engineer has visited their property. The landlord must also provide the copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide a copy of the gas safety certificate can be prosecuted under the regulations and may be subject to unlimited fines or a six-month imprisonment.
In the same way, landlords should ensure that carbon monoxide detectors work in their properties and arrange for them being tested every month. If the alarm isn't working, the landlord should repair it. This is applicable to private landlords, councils and housing associations as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017, the High Court decided that it was illegal for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with a valid gas safety certification. The decision was made based on the law that states that landlords with assured shorthold leases must have an approved gas safety certificate for their property before tenants move into the property.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their homes are safe for tenants. This is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. In order to comply with these regulations, landlords must organize annual gas inspections of all gas appliances and flues that they supply for use in the building. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate and it must be completed by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also think about having a boiler inspection done at the same time as an CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Gas engineers can provide a combined CP12 inspection and boiler service at a reasonable price. They will examine the seals on boiler burners as well as look for cracks and leaks in the flue system and clean the heat exchanger, and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is commonly called the 'landlord's gas safety certificate' although it is officially called the Gas Safety Record documentation. It lists the results of all safety inspections and details of any actions or problems that need to be resolved. Landlords are required to provide their tenants the CP12 document within 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is important that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property for safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea inform tenants of the importance of allowing access and explaining that the gas engineer will ensure they are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to permit access the agent or landlord must explain the legal obligations in writing. Then, they should visit the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants must always request to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before entering the premises, as this will prove that they're qualified to work on your home's gas systems and can be trusted to complete the gas safety test efficiently and efficiently. Be aware that a gas engineer can legally remove the malfunctioning equipment or cut off the gas supply in case of need.