Gas Safety Certificate For Landlords
It is crucial to keep in mind that it is only landlords that are accountable for gas safety checks. This applies to both landlords who own residential properties as well as those who rent rooms or other holiday accommodation.
Landlords must be able to demonstrate that the pipework and flues, as well as appliances, in their properties are safe before they put them up for sale. Gas safety certificates can help you achieve this.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
You must abide by the law, whether you're a landlord or homeowner, when it comes to keeping your gas appliances and installations in good in good working order. Every property owner should obtain their gas safety certificates at least once per calendar year. But what exactly is a gas safety certification? And who is the person who requires one?
Gas Safe Certificates, also called Landlord Gas Safety Record are official documents issued by an official Gas Safe engineer who has completed a thorough inspection of your rental property's gas appliances and flues. The engineer will also make sure that all ventilation pathways are clear in your rental properties to avoid dangerous carbon dioxide build-up.
The Gas Safe Certificate will detail the results of your annual inspection. It will list each of the inspected gas appliances and installations, including their model, brand and the location of your property. The engineer will inform you if the appliances are safe to use and provide details on the work required to ensure your tenants' safety.
You will have to give your Landlord Gas Safety Certificate to your tenants within 28 days after the service. You should also provide it to new tenants when they start their lease. In the event of a delay, it could result in fines, or even criminal prosecution, so it's important to take your responsibilities seriously.
Although homeowners do not require a Gas Safety Certificate to live in peace, it's recommended to obtain one every year. This will not just put your mind at ease regarding the condition of your gas and heating appliances, but will help you spot any problems early. This can save you time and money in the long run.
If you're planning to sell your home and are thinking of selling it, you should get a Gas Safety Certificate will prove extremely useful to potential buyers as it will demonstrate that you've taken care of your gas appliances and installations. Additionally, it can expedite the process of conveyancing as it will not require additional checks.
Who needs a gas safety certificate?
As a landlord it is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances and flues in your rental property are safe. This means you'll have to arrange regular inspections by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure that everything is in good working order.
After the inspection has been completed and you're ready to get the original copy of your Gas Safety Certificate to give to your tenants. This should be done ideally prior to the time your tenants move into the property or at the beginning of a new lease. It is also recommended to keep the certificate for yourself and any documentation of maintenance carried out on your property's gas appliances.
The landlords' properties must be inspected for gas safety at minimum every 12 months. This includes all properties with gas appliances that are owned by the landlord as well as any appliances that are available to tenants.
If you're a landlord that doesn't have an official gas safety certificate you could be facing massive penalties (up to a maximum of PS6,000) and court actions from your tenants or even a criminal charge. The most significant risk is that a tenant might be injured or even killed by defective appliances in your rental property.
Only Gas Safe engineers are qualified to perform a Gas Safety check. Only Gas Safe professionals are trained to inspect and service appliances and installations in a safe manner. Landlords can check the engineer's Gas Safe Register registration by looking for their ID card, which has an exclusive hologram.
It is rare for a tenant not to allow access to the rental property in order to perform an Gas Safety Check. However, it does happen. In these instances it is essential that the landlord explains to the tenant why it is a requirement and how hazardous carbon monoxide could be if it is not detected on time.
If a tenant is still refusing to allow an engineer to enter their home the landlord should think about giving them a Section 21 notice to end their tenancy. This must be accompanied by an explanation of the reason why they're being evicted in the first place, such as not paying rent or significant damage to the property.
How do I get a gas safety certification?
A gas safety certificate is necessary for landlords to prove that their properties are in compliance with the regulations of the government. Some tenants will not allow a gas engineer to enter their home for this purpose which can be frustrating for landlords. Landlords should try to communicate to their tenants that gas technicians are not agents of the state and require access only to complete a vital, legally required document. This will help to reduce the number of tenants who are unable to allow access for gas inspections.
After the gas engineer has conducted the necessary checks and is sure that all appliances are safe to use they will issue the Landlord Gas Safety Record document. This document is also known as a CP12 which stands for CORGI Proforma 12 CORGI was the Council for Registered Gas Installers until it was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in April 2009.
find more is required to provide their existing tenants with a copy this document within 28 days (about four weeks) of the date that the check is completed. They must also give a new tenant one upon signing the lease. The landlord should also ensure that a carbon monoxide detector has been installed in each room used as living space that has fixed combustion appliances (excluding gas cookers) and that smoke alarms are installed to each floor of the property. The HSE website has more details for landlords, including free brochures along with an Approved Code of Practice to manage gas Installations and Appliances within a rental Property.
If a landlord is not able to gain access to their property to carry out the necessary gas security checks, they can use a section 21 notice to remove tenants, if necessary. It is important to note that a section 21 notice is only served when the landlord has had at least three attempts to gain entry for the gas safety check and has kept a record of these attempts. If the landlord fails to follow the correct procedure and attempts to evict their tenants unlawfully and is found guilty of harassment and could face heavy fines.
Why do I require a gas safety certificate?
Landlords need to have an approved certificate of gas safety to ensure that the house they rent is safe for tenants. This means they must regularly check with an accredited gas engineer to ensure that all appliances are safe to use. It also means that they must ensure that the gas pipework, appliances, and flues are in good working order.
This will stop any fires, accidents, or carbon monoxide poisoning that can result from faulty equipment. It is important that landlords stay current with their Gas Safety certificates, as they could be fined if they don't.
Landlords need to be able prove that they have completed their annual gas safety checks in a timely manner. You can check your Gas Safe Register online or get a copy from the engineer who visited the property. If any of the appliances show as unsafe or inoperable the landlord should have them repaired as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of the tenants.
Some landlords are unable to convince their tenants to allow them access to their properties in order to conduct gas safety checks. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that they feel it's an invasion of privacy, or they are currently in dispute with their landlord. It's a good idea to have the landlord write a letter in which he explains why a gas safety inspection is required and what it will involve. This letter could be delivered via recorded delivery, and the tenant should have 14 days to reply.
If the tenant continues to refuse to let the landlord access, they should consider taking further action. This could include the issue of a Section 21 Notice or applying to the court for an Injunction. This is a serious step which should only be used in the last option.