Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys undergo annual inspections. It is also your responsibility to give a copy of the report to your tenants.
If the engineer deems any device or installation to be immediately hazardous, they will ask permission to disconnect the gas supply and suggest that inspection hatches are installed.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is an official document that proves that all gas appliances and flues within the rental property have been checked by a qualified gas engineer. Landlords must arrange the gas check for each rental property they own at least once per year. Gas Safe registered engineers carry out the inspection and check that all pipework, appliances and flues are in compliance with safety standards.
Landlords are also required by law to give their tenants copies of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) following each annual gas safety inspection and test. The certificate should be given to current tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to any new tenants at the beginning of their tenure.
CP12 is an abbreviation for the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) prior to being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form lists the date of the last gas inspection and tests and the results of these, any actions or issues that need to be addressed, as well as the name of the person who conducted the inspection.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any problems with a gas appliance and the engineer will give advice on what should be done to ensure it is safe for use. If an appliance is deemed Immediately Dangerous, or Abnormally lethal, the gas supply must be shut off until the issue is resolved.
It is illegal for a tenant to refuse to let the gas safety inspection to be carried out. 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 often easier to write a letter that describes why the check is important and what's required. This should encourage tenants who are hesitant to allow access to the house. If not the landlord has to begin the eviction process.
How often should I renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords and letting agents are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety check on all flues and gas appliances that they supply to tenants. This is to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks within the property. Gas inspections are an essential responsibility for landlords, and they must ensure that they are conducted by a certified engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that a gas inspection has been conducted by a qualified engineer within the last 12 months. It is given to the landlord, and should be provided to the tenant as proof of the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months and has to be renewed each year.
If Our Web Page fails to provide their tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate then they are breaking the law and could be penalized by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be carried out by landlords on time. They must also keep a copy of the certificate in the event that tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches on all gas appliances is a good idea because it lets engineers easily access the appliances for their annual inspections. If the appliance is deemed 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 refrain from using 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 gives tenants time to prepare for the visit and give permission if needed. 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 happens in the event that they do not comply. If the tenant continues to refuse, then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal obligation of a landlord to make sure that their property is fitted with an official gas safety certificate that is valid prior to the time tenants move in. Infractions to the law can lead to the landlord being prosecuted or being fined a significant amount. The regulations also stipulate that a landlord must provide an original copy of their gas safety report to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord 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 pose a danger to tenants. They will then issue a CP12 gas safety document, which is known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is an important document that every tenant should keep. It contains information on the gas appliances in the rental property as well as information on when they were last tested and when they expire. It will help tenants recognize issues with their appliances and installations and make sure that they are aware of how to contact an Gas Safe Engineer to have them checked.
Landlords must give an inspection report on gas safety to their tenants, both new and current within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. The landlord is also required to provide the copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate can be prosecuted under the rules and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
In the same way, landlords must make sure that their properties are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. They can also arrange that they be tested every month. The landlord is responsible for repairing the problem if the alarm does not work. The rules for this apply to council, private, and housing association landlords, as well as to licensable houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
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 an official gas safety certificate. The decision was based upon the law that requires landlords who have assured shorthold tenancies to have a gas safety certificate for their property before tenants move into it.
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 of all gas appliances and flues they provide for use in the property. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and it must be completed by a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
It is also a good idea for landlords to consider having a boiler service carried out simultaneously with the CP12 inspection, as this will ensure that all the gas appliances are working correctly and safely. Landlords can usually receive a combination CP12 and boiler service at a reasonable price from a qualified gas engineer. They will be able to examine the seals on boiler burners, inspect the flue system for cracks and leaks cleaning the burner and heat exchanger and conduct general maintenance.
The CP12 document is commonly called the 'landlord's gas safety certificate' however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. It contains the results of safety checks, as well as specifics about any issues or actions that must be addressed. Landlords are required to give tenants a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.
It's important that the landlords or letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers to visit the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea inform tenants about the importance of allowing access and explaining that the gas engineer will ensure they are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant does not permit access the agent or landlord must state the legal requirements in writing. Then, they should visit the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants must always request to be shown a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before letting them in, as this will prove that they are properly qualified to work on your home's gas systems and is able to complete the gas safety inspection efficiently and effectively. Be aware that a gas technician can legally remove defective equipment or shut off your gas supply if needed.