Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As an owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, flues, and chimneys undergo annual inspections. You should also give a copy of the report to your tenants.
If just click the next article 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 what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that confirms that all gas appliances and flues within the property that is rented have been checked by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for an annual gas inspection for each rental property that they have at least once a year. The inspection is performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and checks to ensure that all pipework, appliances, and flues are in good working order and that they comply with safety standards.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) after every annual inspection and test for gas safety. This must be given to current tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the start of their tenure.
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 outlines the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, the results, any actions required to be taken, as well as the name and title of the engineer who performed the inspection.
The engineer will offer advice if the Gas Safety Check reveals any problems with the gas appliance. This will outline what needs to be corrected in order to ensure it is safe to use. If an appliance is deemed dangerous immediately or abnormally dangerous, the gas supply must be disconnected until the problem has been resolved.
If a tenant does not allow access for the gas security checks to be conducted the tenant is guilty of an infraction that is punishable by law. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction in the event of need, but it is generally easier to send a clearly worded letter explaining the reason why the checks are carried out and what they'll involve. This will encourage a reluctant tenant to give access, and if not, the landlord may need to consider starting the process of eviction.
How often should I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
By law, landlords and agents for letting are required to conduct an annual gas safety inspection of all chimneys and gas appliances that they provide to their tenants. This is to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks in the building. This is a crucial responsibility for landlords and they should make sure that they are inspected for gas by a licensed gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is a legal document that confirms that the gas inspection was completed by a qualified engineer in the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should be presented to the tenant to verify the safety of gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and has to be renewed annually.
A landlord who fails to provide an Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be fined. Gas Safety checks must be performed by landlords on time. They must also keep a copy in the event that tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea because it lets engineers gain access to the appliances for annual inspections. If the appliance is found to be 'at risk' during an inspection, the engineer will formally classify it as such and may disconnect the boiler and recommend that the tenant not use it until the inspection hatch is installed.
The landlords should also ensure that they provide their tenants with at least 24 hours notice before they visit the property to carry out Gas Safety checks. This allows tenants to prepare and request permission if they need. If a tenant does not allow access to the engineer, the landlord must explain why this is necessary and what happens should the tenant refuse. If the tenant is still refusing then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What happens if I don't receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of landlords to ensure that their property has an official gas safety certificate that is valid before tenants move in. Failure to comply with this law can result in a landlord being prosecuted or being fined a significant amount. The regulations stipulate that landlords must also furnish copies of gas safety records to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental home of the landlord to conduct an inspection of all gas appliances. During the inspection, the engineer will note any issues that could present a danger 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 should keep. It includes information about the gas installations in a rented property, as well as details regarding when they last tested and their expiry dates. It can assist tenants in identifying problems with appliances or installations and make sure they know how 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 date that the engineer visits their property. The landlord is also required to provide an original copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide a copy of the gas safety certificate may be prosecuted under the rules and may be subject to unlimited fines or a six-month imprisonment.
Similarly, landlords must ensure that their properties are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. They should also arrange that they be tested every month. The landlord is responsible for fixing any alarm that doesn't work. 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 illegal for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate. The decision was based on a law that requires landlords who have assured shorthold tenancies to have a gas safety certification for their property prior to the time tenants move in.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 regulate this. To comply with these regulations, landlords must arrange annual gas checks on all the gas appliances and flues they supply for use within the property. This is known as a CP12 gas safety certificate, and it has to be completed by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
It is also a good idea for landlords to consider having the boiler service completed at the same time as the CP12 inspection, as it will help ensure that all the gas appliances are functioning correctly and safely. Gas engineers can offer an integrated CP12 inspection and boiler service at a reasonable price. They will inspect the seals on boiler burners and look for leaks and cracks in the flue system, clean the heat exchanger, and perform general maintenance.
The CP12 is often known as "landlord's gas safety certificate", although it is actually known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It contains the results of all safety inspections and the details of any actions or problems that require attention. Landlords are required to give their tenants the CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It's important that the landlords or letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises for safety checks and maintenance. It's a good idea to educate tenants on the importance of allowing access and explain 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 outline the legal obligations in writing. Then, they should visit the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants must always request to see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before letting them in to ensure that they're competent to work on the gas systems in your home and can be trusted to complete the gas safety test efficiently and effectively. It's also worth bearing in mind that the gas engineer is legally permitted to shut off any malfunctioning equipment and cut off your gas supply if necessary.