Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
It is your obligation as an landlord to provide gas safety certification to your tenants. This should be done every year and before any new tenants move in.
Only engineers that are registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can verify their credentials by looking at their Gas Safe ID card.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlord gas certificates also referred to as CP12 certificates or CP12 certificates for short certificates, prove that the gas appliance or flue has been examined and are safe for use by a registered engineer. They are legal requirements for any landlord who rents out their property and must be renewed annually in order to be in compliance with UK law.
During the inspection, a Gas Safe engineer will check the entire property's gas appliances, pipes and flues for evidence of leaks or unsafe operation. They will also test for carbon monoxide, and ensure there is sufficient ventilation. The average home inspection takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
The engineer will inform you of an issue and suggest any necessary repairs to ensure the safety of your tenants. If you don't complete the repair recommended, you will be denied the gas safety certificate of a landlord.
A landlord gas safety certification is crucial to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. You could face fines in the thousands of amounts and your tenants could be at risk of suffering from carbon dioxide poisoning and other gas-related issues if do not have one. It's worth mentioning that the cost of a CP12 certificate can vary among different providers and it's a good idea to get multiple quotes for your property before making a decision.
No1PHD can be your reliable service provider for Newport Pagnell. We have a national network of gas engineers, which means we can send an engineer to your location quickly and efficiently, even if you require the same day service. This is in stark contrast with sole operator gas engineers, who are usually booked and unable to meet urgent requests.
Landlords must also display their gas safety records, which they should give tenants after each year's gas safety checks. The document will include the list of all gas appliances and flues that were examined, as well as the date when it was completed.
What is the reason I need a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
As a landlord, it is your duty to ensure that all gas appliances and flues within your property are safe to use. It is your responsibility as landlord to ensure that any gas appliances or flues in your property are safe to use. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines, or even criminal proceedings.
Every 12 months it is recommended that a Gas Safe registered engineer perform a landlord gas safety inspection. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues are in good order, free from defects and are safe to use by your tenants.
After the annual check You must present an official gas safety certificate for your landlord to your tenants and post it in the property. It should be given to current tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants at the start of their lease.
If you own multiple properties, it is essential to ensure that each property is inspected and a Gas Safety Certificate. This will allow you to keep track and renew each certificate before it expires.
Landlords are also accountable for any sublet property they may have. The landlord who originally owned the property retains the responsibilities which cannot be transferred to the person leasing the property, they must ensure that responsibilities are clearly allocated in contractual arrangements.
A CP12 landlord gas safety certificate is proof that you have been able to get your gas appliances and flues checked and are in good working order. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform these tests, so make sure that the engineer you choose has a valid Gas Safe ID card.
If your tenants refuse to allow access to the gas safety inspections You can write a strong letter stating why it's important and what the repercussions are should they continue to refuse access. You may also request the court for a warrant to enter.
It is also important to note that it is against the law for a landlord to compel access to their property or to use force to gain access. This is stated in section 39 of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998.
How do I get an Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Gas Safe engineers will inspect the gas appliances and pipework in your home to obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate. They will issue a CP12 certificate that will confirm the gas appliances and flues are safe to use. This is a legal requirement for all landlords regardless of whether you have one property or a portfolio of rental properties.
Landlords also need to ensure that their tenants are aware of the importance of regular maintenance and annual checks of all gas appliances and pipework. This is especially important when it comes to older or less well-maintained appliances, as these can be more susceptible to failure or malfunction. If you are unsure of how often you should service your appliances, consult the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to determine what is recommended.
It is also important to ensure that you conduct a gas safety check when your home is vacant for long periods of time, since it could provide an possibility for vandalism or other criminal crime. You will receive a new Gas Safety Record listing all the results once the inspection is completed. This can be given to your tenants to ensure that the home is safe for them to live in.
Your engineers will ask for permission to cut off your gas supply if they discover any issues with your appliances. This is a must-do step to prevent any possible threats or risks to your tenants. It's vital that you adhere to their advice as swiftly as you can to prevent putting anyone at risk.
Sometimes, it is difficult to gain entry into a building to conduct an inspection of gas safety. In such cases you must demonstrate that you've taken all 'reasonable steps' to meet your legal obligations, which includes writing to the tenant, and explaining that gas safety checks are a required necessity for their own security. You can request the engineer to visit at a later date or in the case of extreme circumstances you may need to seek legal advice.
Can I obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate for multiple properties?
As a landlord is legally required to have your gas appliances and flues tested annually. This will ensure that your tenants live in a safe space and that the appliances are operating safely. Landlords must also provide their tenants with an original copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of the check and display it in a prominent location in the property.
The law that governs gas safety for landlords is revised frequently to reflect the most recent technology and the way we use our homes. For instance, the most recent modifications to the Gas Safety Regulations allow landlords to renew their gas safety certificates for up two months prior to the date of expiration without losing any validity period. This helps to reduce the risk of being in breach and improves maintenance planning.
A landlord gas safety certificate is only issued by an engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. Finding a reputable engineer to examine your home and all of its gas appliances is essential. After the inspection is completed they will provide you with the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 which demonstrates that your home conforms to the applicable regulations.
It is worth convincing your tenant to allow you to access their property for your annual gas safety inspection. You can send an email explaining the importance of the checks and what they will entail. If they still refuse to sign the checks, you could consider serving them with a Section 21 notice or applying to the courts for an injunction.
It is essential to renew your landlord's gas safety certificate before the current certificate expires. In the event of non-compliance, it could result in significant fines, and your equipment may become unsafe for tenants to use.
i thought about this is essential to book your gas safety check in advance if you own multiple properties. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to chase your tenants for access and ensure that all of your properties are covered by a valid Gas Safety Certificate.