Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
It is your responsibility as an owner to provide a gas safety certification to your tenants. This should be done each year and before any new tenants move into the property.
Only registered engineers with Gas Safe are allowed to perform the CP12 Inspection. You can check their credentials by checking their Gas Safe ID card.
What is what is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Gas certificates for landlords also known as CP12 certificates or CP12 certificates, confirm that the gas appliance and flue have been inspected and are safe to use by a registered engineer. These certificates are legally required of any landlord and must be renewed each year to ensure compliance with UK laws.
During the inspection a Gas Safe engineer will inspect the gas appliances, pipes, and flues to check for leaks or unsafe operation. They will also test for carbon monoxide, and ensure that there is adequate ventilation. The average home inspection will take between 30 minutes and an hour.
In the event of an issue the engineer will inform you of the issue and recommend any required repairs to ensure the safety of your tenants. If you do not carry out the recommended repairs then you won't receive an official gas safety certificate for your landlord.
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an essential element of ensuring your tenants' health and well-being. Newport Pagnell gas engineer could be fined hefty amounts and your tenants may be at risk of carbon dioxide poisoning or other gas-related problems if you don't have one. It is important to note that CP12 certificates may vary in price among different companies. It is an excellent idea to request multiple quotes prior to making a final decision.
No1PHD is a 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 a stark contrast to sole operator gas engineers who are often over booked and are unable to attend to urgent requests.
Landlords must also show their gas safety certificates that they must hand over to tenants after their annual gas safety inspections. The document will contain a list of all gas appliances and flues which have been checked and the date on which it was completed.
Why do I require a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances or flues in your property are safe to use. This includes making sure that they undergo regular inspections and that you have an appropriate gas safety certificate. Failure to comply with this can result in substantial fines or even criminal proceedings.
Every 12 months it is recommended that you have a Gas Safe registered engineer perform a landlord gas safety inspection. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues are in good working and in good condition, free of any issues and safe to use by your tenants.
After the annual check after the annual service, you must give a valid gas safety certificate for your landlord to your tenants and display it in the property. It must be handed out to tenants within 28 days following the annual service and to new tenants at the time they start their tenure.
If you own multiple properties, it is important to have each one checked and display a Gas Safety Certificate. This will let you keep track of each certificate prior to when it expires.
Landlords are also responsible for any sub-let accommodation that they may own. The landlord who originally owned the property has certain responsibilities that cannot be transferred to a person who leases the property. However, they must ensure that the responsibilities are clearly defined in the lease.
A CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords shows that your gas appliances and flues have been tested and work correctly. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified to conduct these tests. Be sure that the person you hire has a valid Gas Safe ID Card.
If your tenants are refusing to permit access for gas safety inspections, you can write a strong letter explaining why it is important and what the repercussions are should they continue to refuse access. You may also request the court for a warrant for entry.
It is also important to know that it is illegal 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 obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
To get a gas safety certificate for a landlord, a qualified Gas Safe engineer will need to inspect your property's gas appliances and pipework. They will issue an CP12 certificate to confirm whether your property's gas appliances and flues are safe to use. This is a requirement for all landlords, regardless of whether they manage one property or if they manage a number of rental properties.
Landlords should also ensure that tenants are aware of the importance of regular maintenance, which includes regular checks of gas appliances and pipework. This is particularly crucial for older appliances that are not maintained properly, as these can be more prone to failure or malfunction. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to see the frequency at which your appliances need to be serviced.
You should also ensure that you conduct a gas safety check when your home is vacant for long periods of time, since this could be an opportunity for vandalism or criminal activities. Once the inspection is completed and you are given a fresh Gas Safety Record that will detail all the results. This can be given to your tenants to give them peace-of-mind that the property is safe for them to live in.
If your engineers discover any issues with your gas appliances, they'll request permission to cut off the supply. This is an important step to avoid any risks to your tenants. It's vital that you adhere to the advice of your engineers as soon as possible to avoid putting anyone at risk.
Sometimes, it is difficult to gain entry to a property to perform an inspection for gas safety. In such cases you have to prove that you've completed all "reasonable steps" to fulfill your legal obligations, which includes writing to tenants and explaining that gas checks are necessary to ensure their safety. You may also request the engineer to visit on a different occasion, or in extreme cases, you may need to seek legal advice.
Can I obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate if I own multiple properties?
As a landlord, you're required to test your gas appliances and flues every year. This will ensure that your tenants are living in a safe environment and that the appliances are working safely. Landlords must provide an original copy of their gas safety record to tenants within 28 days following the check. They must also keep it visible in the property.
The law around gas safety for landlords is constantly amended to reflect new technologies and the ways we use our homes. The most recent amendments to Gas Safety Regulations, for example, allow landlords the option to renew their certificates for up to two months before the deadline without losing their validity. This decreases the risk of over-compliance and allows for better maintenance planning.
Only an accredited Gas Safe Register engineer can issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate. It is essential to locate an engineer that is reliable and able to conduct a thorough inspection of your property and all gas appliances. After the inspection the engineer will issue an Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) that confirms that your home is in compliance with all relevant regulations.
If your tenant is unwilling to let you access their property for your annual gas safety check, it is worth trying to persuade them gently. You can write them a letter explaining the importance of the checks and what they will be. If they refuse to comply, you can serve them with a Section 21 Notice or apply to the courts for an injunction for a short period of time.
It is important to renew your landlord gas safety certificate prior to when the expiration date of your current certificate. Failure to do so could result in significant fines, and your appliances may become unsafe for tenants to use.
It is essential to schedule your gas safety inspection in advance if you own several properties. This will save you the hassle of having to hunt down tenants who are unable to access your property and make sure that all of your properties are covered by an active Gas Safety Certificate.