Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys are inspected annually. The law also requires that you provide a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer believes that a particular appliance or installation is immediate danger, they will request permission to shut off gas from the system and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is a document that proves that all the gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a certified gas engineer. Landlords are required to arrange the gas check for each rental property they have at least once a year. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipework, appliances and flues are in compliance with safety standards.
how long does gas safety certificate last requires landlords to give tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) at the time of each annual inspection and test for gas safety. This should be provided 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 used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form includes the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, the results, any steps that need to be taken, as well as the name and the title of the engineer that conducted the inspection.
The engineer will provide advice on the spot if the Gas Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will include the items that need to be fixed so that it is safe for use. If a device is deemed Immediately Dangerous, or Abnormally dangerous, the gas supply must be shut off until the issue has been resolved.
It is a crime to a tenant who refuses to let the gas safety inspection to be carried out. A landlord can apply to the courts for an injunction order in the event of need, but it is generally easier to simply send a strongly written letter stating the reasons why it is crucial that the checks are carried out and what they'll involve. This should encourage the tenant who is hesitant to allow access to the property. If not, the landlord will need to begin the eviction process.
How often should I renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
The landlords and letting agencies are legally required to conduct an annual safety check on all flues and gas appliances that they supply to tenants. This is to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and that there are no gas leaks in the building. Gas inspections are a crucial responsibility for landlords, and they should ensure that they are carried out by a certified engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that the gas inspection was completed by a qualified engineer in the last 12 months. how long does a gas safety certificate last is issued by the landlord, and should be provided to the tenant in order to demonstrate the safety of gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months, and must be renewed each year.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants with an Gas Safety Certificate then they are in violation of the law and could be punished by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be carried out by landlords on time. They should also keep a copy in the event that tenants request it.
It's also a good idea for landlords to install inspection hatches on all gas appliances so that engineers can easily access them for annual inspections. The engineer will label the appliance as being at-risk and may recommend that the tenant refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords should also make sure that they give tenants a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to the time they are allowed to enter the property to perform Gas Safety checks. This gives tenants time to prepare for the visit and give permission if necessary. If a tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry the landlord should send a letter to them explaining the reason for the visit and what will happen if they don't 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 happens if I don't get a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal obligation of a landlord to ensure that their property is fitted with a gas safety certificate valid prior to the time tenants move in. Failure to adhere to this law can result in the landlord being charged or fined severely. The regulations require that landlords must also provide copies of the gas safety records to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord to perform an inspection of all gas appliances. During the inspection the engineer will take note of any issues that may pose a risk for tenants. The engineer will issue an 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 must keep. It contains information on the gas appliances in a rented property, as well as details about when they were last checked and the expiry dates. It can help tenants spot any issues with the appliances or installations and ensure they are aware of how to contact a Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords are required to provide their new and current tenants with a gas safety inspection report within 28 days of the engineer visiting their property. The landlord is also required to provide the copy of CP12 at the beginning of the lease. Landlords that fail to provide the copy of the gas certificate could be prosecuted and face unlimited fines or six months in prison.
Similarly, landlords must ensure that their properties are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. They can also arrange for them to be tested each month. If the alarm is not functioning, the landlord has to make the necessary repairs. The rules for this are applicable to private, council and housing association landlords, as well as to licensable houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was unlawful for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate. The ruling was in accordance with the law that states that landlords of assured shorthold tenancies must have a gas safety record for their property prior to when tenants move into the property.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in the properties they lease out are safe. This is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To comply with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas inspections of all gas appliances and flues they supply for use in a 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.
Landlords should also think about performing a boiler inspection simultaneously with a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Landlords can usually obtain a combined 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 leaks and cracks as well as clean the heat exchanger and burner and perform 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 contains the results of the safety checks, as well as specifics of any issues or actions that should 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 is crucial that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and for maintenance. It's a good idea to inform tenants of the importance of allowing access and explain that the gas engineer is there to help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is reluctant to let access in it is the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility explain the legal responsibilities in writing and then follow with a visit to the property to force entry if necessary.
Tenants must always request to see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to they allow them into the home to prove that they're competent to work on your home's gas systems and are able to complete the gas safety check efficiently and effectively. It's also worth bearing in mind that the gas engineer is legally permitted to disconnect faulty equipment and cut off gas lines when necessary.