Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys are inspected annually. It is also your responsibility to provide a copy to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that a particular appliance or installation is imminently dangerous the engineer will request permission to cut off gas supply and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is an official document that confirms that all gas appliances and flues within the rented property have been checked by an accredited gas engineer. Landlords are legally required arrange a gas safety check every year for each rental property they own. Gas Safe registered engineers carry out the inspection and check that all pipes, appliances and flues conform with safety regulations.
Landlords are also legally required to provide tenants with an original copy 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 any new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 that was employed by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form lists the date of the last gas inspection or test as well as the results, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, as well as the name of the person who conducted the test.
The engineer will give advice in the event that the Gas Safety Check reveals any problems with the gas appliance. This will include the items that need to be fixed so that it is safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediately dangerous or Abnormally Lethal the gas supply must be disconnected until the issue has been solved.
It is illegal to a tenant who refuses to let the gas safety check to be carried out. A landlord can apply to the courts for an injunction order in the event of need, but it is generally more efficient to simply send a strongly written letter stating why it is essential that the checks are made and what they will involve. This will encourage a reluctant tenant to allow access and, if not, the landlord may have to think about starting the eviction process.
How often should I receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
mkgassafety and letting agencies are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all gas appliances and flues that they supply 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 vitally important obligation and landlords must ensure that they get their gas inspections done by a licensed gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document which indicates that an engineer completed a gas inspection within the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should be presented to the tenant to verify the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and must be renewed every year.
A landlord who is unable to provide a Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should keep a copy in case tenants request it.
It is also a good idea for landlords to set up inspection hatches on all gas appliances so that the engineers can easily access them for annual inspections. If the appliance is deemed to be at risk during an inspection the engineer will classify it as such and shut off the boiler and advise that the tenant not use it until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords should also make sure that they give their tenants a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to the time they are allowed to enter the property to carry out Gas Safety checks. This will allow tenants to prepare for the visit and give permission if necessary. If a tenant does not allow the engineer's entry the landlord must explain why this is necessary and what will happen if the tenant refused. If the tenant does not allow the engineer entry, the landlord could think about evicting the tenant in accordance with section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What happens if you don't own a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to make sure that their property has a gas safety certificate valid prior to the time tenants move into. In the absence of this, it's an offence that can result in landlords being punished with severe fines. The regulations also state that landlords must provide a copy of the gas safety record to their tenants on request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental home of the landlord to conduct an inspection of the gas supply to all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to identify any issues that could be a threat to tenants. The engineer will issue a CP12 Gas Safety Document, also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is an important document that every tenant should be able to access and keep. It contains information on the gas appliances in a rented property and also details about when they were last tested and their expiry dates. It will help tenants recognize any issues with the appliances or installation and make sure that they know how to contact a Gas Safe engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide their new and current tenants with a gas safety report within 28 days of the engineer visiting their property. The landlord must also give an original copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate may be prosecuted under the rules and could face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
Similar to this landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are working in their homes and make arrangements for them to be tested each month. If the alarm is not working, the landlord must fix it. 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 issue Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with an official gas Safety Certificate. The decision was based on a law that requires landlords with assured shorthold leases to obtain a gas safety certificate for their property prior to when tenants move in.
How do I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in the homes they lease 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 checks of all gas appliances and flues they provide for use in a property. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be completed by a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also think about performing a boiler inspection in conjunction with a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that the gas appliances are functioning properly and safely. Gas engineers can provide an integrated CP12 inspection and boiler service for a reasonable price. They will examine the seals of boiler burners and look for cracks and leaks in the flue system, clean the heat exchanger and perform general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often referred to as the 'landlord gas safety certificate' however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all safety checks 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 important that landlords and letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and for maintenance. It's important to educate tenants about the importance of allowing gas engineers access to their property and explain that the engineer's presence is necessary to safeguard them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant refuses to permit access, the landlord or agent must outline the legal obligations in writing. They should then go to the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants should always have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to entering the premises, as this will prove that they're qualified to work on your home's gas systems and is able to complete the gas safety inspection efficiently and efficiently. It's important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally allowed to disconnect faulty equipment and cut off your gas supply if necessary.