Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, chimneys and flues are inspected every year. The law also requires you provide a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer considers that any appliance or installation is imminently dangerous, they will request permission to disconnect the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a document which demonstrates that the gas appliances and flues have been examined by a certified gas engineer. Landlords must arrange a gas check for each rental property they own at least once per year. The inspection is performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer and checks to ensure that all pipes appliances, flues, and pipes are in good working condition and that they are in compliance with the safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) at the time of each annual inspection and test for gas safety. The certificate should be given to current tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to any new tenants at the start of their lease.
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 lists the date of the last gas inspection or test and the results of these, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, and the name of the person who conducted the check.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any issues with a gas appliance and the engineer will give advice on what needs to be done to make it safe for use. If an appliance is deemed dangerous immediately or abnormally dangerous the gas supply should be shut off until the issue has been resolved.
It is illegal to a tenant who refuses to let the gas safety test to be conducted. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction if necessary, however it is usually much easier to simply send a strongly written letter that explains the reason why the checks are made and what they'll involve. This should convince a tenant who is reluctant to give access, and in the event that they do otherwise, the landlord could need to consider starting the eviction process.
How often should I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
The law requires that landlords and let agents are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe to use and there are no gas leaks in the property. gas safety certificate grace period are an essential obligation for landlords, and they must 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 which confirms that an engineer has completed a gas check within the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord and must also be given to the tenant in order to demonstrate the safety of gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and must be renewed annually.
A landlord who is unable to provide a 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 in the event that tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea, since it allows engineers to gain access to the appliances for their annual inspections. If the appliance is deemed to be in danger during an inspection the engineer will classify it as such and may disconnect the boiler and recommend that the tenant not use it until the inspection hatch is installed.
Landlords are also required to provide their tenants with at least 24 hours' notice before entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This allows tenants to prepare and request permission, if required. If a tenant does not permit the engineer to enter the landlord must inform them why the engineer is required and what will happen if they don't follow through. If the tenant refuses 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 obligation of a landlord to make sure that their property is equipped with an approved gas safety certificate before tenants move into. Failing to do so is an offense that could result in landlords being prosecuted and subject to severe fines. The regulations state that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental home of the landlord in order to perform a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to identify any issues that could be a threat to tenants. The engineer will issue an CP12 Gas Safety Document, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is a crucial document that every tenant must keep. This document provides information on gas installations in rental properties and the dates they were tested and expiration dates. It can help tenants identify issues with their appliances or installations and ensure that they know how contact a Gas Safe Engineer to have them checked.
Landlords must provide an inspection report on gas safety to their tenants, new and existing within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. They must also provide a copy of the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy starts. Landlords who do not provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate can be prosecuted under the rules and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
Similarly, landlords must ensure that their properties have working carbon monoxide alarms. They should also arrange for them to be tested each month. If the alarm is not working, the landlord should make the necessary repairs. This is the case for 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 issue Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with an official gas Safety Certificate. The decision was based upon the law that requires landlords who have assured shorthold tenancies to obtain a gas safety certification for their property prior to when tenants move into it.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in the properties they lease out are safe. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with this. To be in compliance with these regulations, landlords must organize annual gas inspections of all gas appliances and flues that they supply for use in the property. This is called a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be completed by a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
It is also a good idea for landlords to look into having a boiler service carried out simultaneously with the CP12 inspection, since this will ensure that all the gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Landlords can usually receive a combination CP12 and boiler service for an affordable price from a qualified gas engineer who will be able to check the seals on boiler burners, inspect the flue system for cracks and leaks, clean the burner and heat exchanger and conduct general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often referred to as the 'landlord gas safety certificate', however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all the safety checks and the details of any actions or issues that need to be addressed. 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 the landlords or letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises to conduct safety checks and for maintenance. It is a good idea to inform tenants about the importance of allowing access and explain that the gas engineer will protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant does not permit access, the landlord or agent must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then go to the property and force entry if required.
Tenants should always be shown 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 check efficiently and efficiently. Be aware that a gas engineer can legally disconnect faulty equipment or cut off your gas supply should it be required.