Landlord Gas safety certificate and boiler service (mkgassafety.co.uk)
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, chimneys and flues are inspected every year. You should also provide a copy to your tenants.
If the engineer believes that a particular appliance or installation is imminently dangerous the engineer will request permission to cut off the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is the definition of a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that certifies that all gas appliances and flues that are in the property that is rented have been inspected by an accredited gas engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to organize a gas safety check every year for each rental property they own. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipes, appliances and flues comply with safety regulations.
Landlords are also legally required to provide tenants with an original copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) following each annual gas safety inspection and test. This must be given to current tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 that was employed by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form shows the date of the last gas inspection or test and the results of these, any actions or issues that require to be addressed, as well as the name of the person who performed the test.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any problems with a gas device and the engineer will give advice on what should be done to ensure it is safe for use. If an appliance is deemed dangerous immediately or abnormally dangerous the gas supply should be disconnected until the problem is resolved.
If a tenant is unwilling to allow access for the gas security checks to be conducted it is an offence that is criminal. If needed landlords can apply to the courts for an order to enjoin the tenant from refusing to allow gas safety checks. However, it's more common to send a letter that describes why the check is vital and what is required. This will encourage a tenant who is reluctant to allow access to the property. If not the landlord has to begin the eviction process.
How often should I receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords and letting agents are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all flues and gas appliances that are supplied to their tenants. This is done to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and that there are no gas leaks in the property. Gas inspections are an essential responsibility for landlords, and they should ensure that they are carried out by a licensed 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 in the last 12 months. It is given to the landlord, and should be handed over to the tenant as proof of the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months, and must be renewed every year.
A landlord who fails to provide a Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. It is therefore crucial for landlords to ensure that their Gas Safety checks carried out at a timely basis and to keep a copy the certificate in the event that a tenant asks for 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 inspections every year. If the appliance is found to be 'at risk' during an inspection, the engineer will formally declare it to be at risk and will shut off the boiler and suggest that the tenant not use it until the inspection hatch has been installed.
The landlords should also ensure that they provide their tenants with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to when they enter the property to carry out Gas Safety checks. This allows the tenants to prepare for the visit and give permission, if required. If a tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord should send a letter to them explaining why it is necessary and what happens in the event that they do not comply. If the tenant does not allow the engineer entry, the landlord can think about evicting the tenant in accordance with section 21 of 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence it is the landlord's legal obligation to ensure their property has an approved gas safety certificate before tenants move in. Infractions to this law could result in a landlord being prosecuted or fined heavily. The regulations state that landlords are required to provide copies of gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord to conduct a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will note any problems that could pose a danger to tenants. The engineer will issue the CP12 Gas Safety Document, which is also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is a crucial document that every tenant should keep. It contains information about the gas appliances in a rental property and also details about when they were last tested and their expiry dates. It will help tenants recognize any issues with the appliances or installations and make sure that they are aware of how to contact a Gas Safe engineer to have them examined.
Landlords are required to provide their new and current tenants with a gas safety check 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 in providing the copy of the gas certificate could be charged and face unlimited fines or even six months in prison.
In the same way landlords must ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are working in their properties and make arrangements for them to be tested each month. If an alarm is not working, the landlord must make the necessary repairs. The rules for this are applicable to private, council and housing association landlords, and also to licensable houses of multiple Occupation (HMOs).
In June 2017 the High Court ruled that it was illegal for landlords to issue Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with an official Gas Safety Certificate. The decision was in accordance with the law that states that landlords with assured shorthold leases must have a record of their gas safety for their property prior to the time tenants move in.
How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are required by law to ensure that gas appliances, flues and pipework within their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 regulate this. To ensure compliance with the regulations, landlords are required to conduct annual gas inspections of all gas appliances and flues they provide to tenants. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate and it must be signed by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
It is also recommended for landlords to think about having an annual boiler service performed simultaneously with the CP12 inspection, as this will help ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Gas engineers can offer an integrated CP12 inspection and boiler service for a reasonable price. They will inspect the seals of boiler burners, inspect for cracks and leaks in the flue system, clean the heat exchanger, and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often known as the 'landlord's gas safety certificate', although it is officially called the Gas Safety Record documentation. It contains the results of all safety inspections and details of any actions or issues that need to be addressed. Landlords are required to provide their tenants the CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is important that landlords and letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It is a good idea to educate tenants on the necessity of allowing access, and explaining that the gas engineer will protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant refuses to allow access the agent or landlord must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then go to the property and force entry if necessary.
Tenants should always ask to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before they allow them into the home to ensure that they're qualified to work on the gas systems in your home and is able to complete the gas safety check efficiently and efficiently. It is also important to know that a gas engineer can legally disconnect the malfunctioning equipment or cut off your gas supply should it be required.