Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances as well as chimneys and flues are inspected annually. The law also requires you provide a copy the check to your tenants.
If the engineer deems any appliance or installation to be immediately hazardous, they will request permission to disconnect the gas supply and suggest that inspection hatches be put in place.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a document that proves that all of the gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified gas engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to conduct a gas safety inspection every year for each rental property they own. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipework, appliances and flues conform with safety regulations.
Landlords are also required by law to provide tenants with copies of the CP12
Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) at the end of each year's gas safety inspection and test. This should be provided to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the start of their tenure.
CP12 is an abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form contains the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, the results, any actions that need to be taken, as well as the name and the title of the engineer that conducted the inspection.
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 fixed to make it safe to use. If an appliance is deemed to be immediate danger or Abnormally Lethal, the gas supply will have to be shut off until the issue has been solved.
If a tenant is unwilling to permit access to the gas safety checks to be completed, it is an offence that is criminal. If needed, a landlord can ask the courts for an order to prohibit the tenant from preventing the gas safety inspections. However, it is usually easier to write a letter that explains why the checks are essential and what will be required. This should convince a tenant who is reluctant to give access, and if not, the landlord might be required to begin the process of eviction.
how much for landlords gas safety certificate often should I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords and letting agents are legally required to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all flues and gas appliances that are supplied to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe for use and that there aren't gas leaks in the property. Gas inspections are a crucial obligation for landlords and they must ensure 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 indicates that an engineer completed a gas check within the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should be provided to the tenant to verify the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months, and must be renewed each year.
If a landlord is unable to provide their tenants with an Gas Safety Certificate then they are breaking the law and could be penalized by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should keep a copy in case 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 found to be in danger during an inspection the engineer will categorise it as such and will shut off the boiler and suggest that the tenant refrain from using it until the inspection hatch is installed.
The landlords should also ensure that they give their tenants at least 24 hours notice prior to when they are allowed to enter the property to conduct Gas Safety checks. This gives tenants time to prepare for the visit and give permission, if required. If a tenant is refusing access to the engineer the
landlord gas safety certificate price has to explain the reason why it is necessary and what would happen if the tenant refused. If the tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord could consider evicting the tenant under section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas
safety certificates Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of landlords to ensure that their property is equipped with a gas safety certificate valid prior to the time tenants move in. Failure to comply with the law can lead to a landlord being prosecuted or fined heavily. The regulations also stipulate that a landlord must provide an electronic copy of the gas safety record to their tenants upon request.
Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to conduct an inspection of the gas supply to all gas appliances. During the inspection, an engineer will identify any issues that could pose a risk to tenants. They will then issue an 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 must keep. This document contains information about gas installations in a rental home as well as the date they were tested and expiration dates. It will help tenants recognize any issues with the installation or appliances and ensure that they are aware of how to contact an Gas Safe engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide their tenants, both new and existing, with a gas safety inspection report within 28 days of the engineer visiting their property. The landlord must also give a copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted under the rules and could face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
In the same way, landlords should ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are in operation in their properties and have them tested every month. The landlord is responsible for fixing the problem if the alarm does not work. This is applicable to councils, private landlords, and housing associations, as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
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 ruling was by reference to the law which states that landlords of assured shorthold tenancies must have a gas safety record for their property prior to the time tenants move into the property.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are required by law to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework within their properties are safe for tenants. This is covered by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To be in compliance with these regulations, landlords must arrange annual gas checks on all gas appliances and flues that they supply for use within the property. This is known as a CP12 gas safety certificate, and it has to be filled out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
It is also recommended 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 functioning correctly and safely. Landlords can usually obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service for an affordable price from a qualified gas engineer who can check the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for cracks and leaks, clean the burner and heat exchanger and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often referred to as the 'landlord gas safety certificate', but it is actually the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all safety inspections and the details of any actions or issues that need to be resolved. Landlords must give their tenants a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.
It is crucial that the landlords or letting agents permit Gas Safe registered engineers to visit the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It is essential to inform tenants on the importance of permitting gas engineers access to the property. They should explain that the engineer is there to protect them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to permit access it is the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility clarify the legal obligations in writing, and follow up with a visit to the property to compel entry if needed.
Gas Safe ID cards should be requested by tenants before allowing them to enter the property. This will confirm that the engineer has the necessary qualifications to work with the systems in your home and can therefore be trusted to conduct the safety inspection. Be aware that a gas engineer can legally disconnect faulty equipment or cut off your gas supply should it be required.