Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances chimneys, flues and chimneys are inspected annually. You must also provide a copy to your tenants.
If the engineer believes that any appliance or installation is immediately dangerous they will ask permission to cut off gas from the system and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is the definition of a Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a document which demonstrates that all the gas appliances and flues have been examined by a qualified gas engineer. Landlords are required to arrange the gas check for each rental property they have at least once a year. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipework, appliances and flues are in compliance with safety standards.
Landlords are also legally required to give their tenants an original copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) at the end of each year's gas safety inspection and test. The certificate should be given to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to any new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 that was used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form includes the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, their results, any actions that must be taken, as well as the name and title of the engineer that conducted the check.
The engineer will offer advice in the event that the Gas Safety Check reveals any problems with the gas appliance. This will outline what needs to be addressed to make it safe to use. If an appliance is deemed dangerous immediately or abnormally lethal the gas supply should be disconnected until the problem is resolved.
If a tenant refuses to allow access for gas safety checks to be carried out, it is a criminal offence. If necessary landlords can apply to the courts for an order to enjoin the tenant from preventing the gas safety checks. However, it is usually easier to send a letter that describes why the check is essential and what will be involved. This should encourage the tenant who is hesitant to allow access to the house. If not, the landlord will need to begin the eviction process.
How often should I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
In the law, landlords and let agents are required by law to conduct an annual safety check of all chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is done to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and that there are no gas leaks in the building. This is a crucial responsibility for landlords and they should ensure that they get their gas inspections done by a qualified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document that confirms that an engineer has completed a gas inspection within the last 12 months. It is given to the landlord, and should be handed over to the tenant to prove the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months and has to be renewed annually.
A landlord who does not provide an Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be fined. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should also keep a copy of the certificate in case tenants ask for it.
It's also a good idea for landlords to set up inspection hatches on all gas appliances, so that engineers can easily access them for annual inspections. If the appliance is deemed to be in danger during an inspection, the engineer will formally classify it as such and shut off the boiler and suggest that tenants not to use it until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords are also required to provide their tenants with at least 24 hours' notice prior entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This allows tenants time to prepare and ask permission if needed. If a tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer entry the landlord must inform them why the engineer is required and what happens if they don't comply. If the tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer entry, the landlord could decide to evict the tenant under section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What happens if you don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to ensure that their property has a gas safety certificate valid prior to the time tenants move in. Failing to do so is an offence that can result in landlords being charged and liable to heavy fines. The regulations also stipulate that landlords must provide a copy of the gas safety record to their tenants on request.
Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property for a gas check on all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will identify any issues that could pose a danger to tenants. They will then issue a CP12 gas safety certificate, which is also known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is a crucial document that every tenant should keep. It contains information on the gas installations of a rental property and also details about when they were last tested and their expiry dates. It will help tenants recognize any issues with their installation or appliances and ensure that they know how to reach an Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords are required to provide their tenants, both new and existing, with a gas safety report within 28 days of the date that the engineer visits their property. The landlord is also required to provide the copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords who fail to provide the copy of the gas certificate can be prosecuted and could face unlimited fines or even six months in prison.
In the same way, landlords should ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are working in their homes and make arrangements for them to be tested each month. If the alarm isn't working, the landlord must repair it. This is applicable to councils, private landlords, and housing associations as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was unlawful for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid gas Safety Certificate. The decision was made by reference to the law which stipulates that landlords with assured shorthold tenancies must obtain a record of their gas safety for their property prior to the time tenants move into the property.
How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that gas appliances, flues and pipework within the properties they lease are safe. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 cover this. To comply with the regulations, landlords are required to conduct annual gas inspections on all the gas appliances and flues that they provide for use within the property. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate. It must be filled out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also consider performing a boiler inspection at the same time as a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. can i get a copy of my gas safe certificate can usually receive a combination CP12 and boiler service for a reasonable price from a qualified gas engineer who can check the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for leaks and cracks cleaning the burner and heat exchanger and perform general maintenance.
The CP12 is sometimes referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate" but it's actually known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It lists the results of all safety inspections and the details of any actions or issues that require attention. Landlords are required to give their tenants the CP12 document no later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is essential that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property for safety inspections and maintenance. It is a good idea to inform tenants about the importance of allowing access and explaining that the gas engineer will help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant does not permit access the agent or landlord must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then visit the property and force entry if required.
Tenants should always ask to be shown a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to entering the premises to prove that they are properly qualified to work on your home's gas systems and can be trusted to complete the gas safety inspection efficiently and efficiently. You should also be aware that a gas engineer can legally remove the malfunctioning equipment or cut off your gas supply if needed.
