Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
It is your obligation as an landlord to provide gas safety certificate to your tenants. This should be done annually and prior to when any new tenants move in.
Only engineers that are registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can check their credentials by checking their Gas Safe ID card.
What is what is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlord gas safety certificates, or CP12 certificates, prove that the gas appliances of a landlord's and flues have been examined by an engineer registered with the company and are safe to use. They are a legal requirement for anyone who rents out their property, and must be renewed every year to comply with UK law.
During the inspection a Gas Safe engineer will inspect the gas appliances, pipes and flues, looking for leaks or unsafe operation. The engineer will also test for carbon monoxide and ensure that there is enough ventilation. The average home inspection takes between 30 minutes to an hour.
If there is an issue the engineer will inform you of the problem and recommend any necessary repairs to ensure your tenants' safety. If you fail to carry out the recommended repairs then you won't be issued with the gas safety certificate for landlords.
A landlord gas safety certification is crucial to ensure the health and safety of your tenants. You could be fined substantial amounts and your tenants could be at risk of suffering from carbon dioxide poisoning, as well as other gas-related problems if you don't have one. It's important to note that the cost of a CP12 certificate can vary between different companies, so it is a good idea to get multiple quotes for your property before making an investment.
No1PHD is your trusted service provider for Newport Pagnell. We have an extensive network of gas engineers. This means that we can send an expert to your location quickly, even if it is a same-day service. This is in stark contrast with sole-operator gas engineers, who are often overwhelmed and unable to respond to urgent requests.
Landlords are also required to keep a record of their gas safety that they must hand over to tenants after their annual gas safety checks. This document will include an inventory of all gas appliances and flues which were inspected as well as the date it was completed.
Why should I obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
As a landlord it is your duty to ensure that all gas appliances and flues that are in your property are safe for use. This includes ensuring that they are regularly inspected and that you have a valid landlord gas safety certificate. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties or even criminal charges.
Every 12 months it is recommended that you have a Gas Safe registered engineer perform an inspection of your landlord's gas safety. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues are in good order, free from problems and safe for use by your tenants.
A valid gas safety certificate for your landlord must be provided to your tenants following the annual service and displayed in the property. It should be provided to current tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
If you are a landlord with multiple properties, you should check them all and display the Gas Safety Certificate for each one. This will help to keep track of the expiry dates for each certificate and ensure that you renew them before they expire.
Landlords are also accountable for any sub-let properties they may own. While the landlord in charge has responsibilities that cannot be transferred to the person who is leasing the property, they have to ensure that responsibilities are clearly allocated in contractual arrangements.
A CP12 landlord gas safety certificate proves that you have had your gas appliances and flues checked and are in good functioning order. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform these tests. Therefore, make sure that the engineer you choose has a valid Gas Safe ID card.
If your tenants do not allow access to the gas safety inspection, you can send them a letter explaining the importance of the checks and the consequences if they keep blocking access. You could also ask the court for a warrant for entry.
Newport Pagnell gas safe registered engineers 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 obtain 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 then issue a CP12 certificate which will verify whether your property's gas appliances and flues are safe for use. This is an obligation for all landlords regardless of whether you own one property or a portfolio of rental properties.
Landlords should also ensure that their tenants understand the importance of regular maintenance and annual checks on all gas appliances and pipework. This is especially important for older or poorly maintained appliances that are more likely to malfunction or break down. If you are unsure of the frequency you should service your appliances, refer to the manufacturer guidelines to find out what is recommended.
If your property is vacant for a prolonged period it is recommended that you be sure to have it inspected for gas safety. This could provide an possibility to commit vandalism or crime. Once the inspection is completed and you are given a fresh Gas Safety Record that will detail all the results. It can be handed out to your tenants to ensure that the property is safe to live in.
Your engineers will ask permission to cut off your gas supply if they find any issues with your appliances. This is a crucial step to avoid any potential risks to your tenants. It is crucial to adhere to the advice of your engineers as soon as you can to avoid putting anyone at risk.
Sometimes, it's difficult to gain access to a house to conduct a gas safety check. In these instances you will need to show that you have taken all reasonable steps to comply with your legal obligations. This includes writing to the tenant and stating that gas safety checks are a mandatory requirement for their own safety. You can ask the engineer to return at a later time or in the case of extreme circumstances you may need to seek legal advice.
Do I qualify for a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate if I own multiple properties?
As a landlord, you are required to test your gas appliances and flues every year. This will ensure that your tenants are living in a safe space and that the appliances are working safely. Landlords are required to provide the gas safety records to tenants within 28 days following the inspection. They must also keep it visible in the property.
The law that governs landlord gas safety is regularly updated to reflect new technology and the ways in which we use our homes. For instance, the most recent amendments to the Gas Safety Regulations allow landlords to renew their gas safety certificates for up to two months prior to the date of expiration without losing any validity period. This decreases the risk of over-compliance and allows for better maintenance planning.
Only a registered Gas Safe Register engineer can issue an official landlord gas safety certificate. It is crucial to find an experienced engineer who can complete a thorough inspection of your home and all gas appliances. After the inspection, the engineer will issue you an Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) which confirms your property meets all applicable regulations.
It is worth persuading your tenant to allow you to access their property for the annual gas safety checks. You can send an email to your tenant explaining the importance of these checks as well as what will be involved. If they are unable to comply, you can issue them with a Section 21 Notice or apply to the courts for an interim injunction.
It is crucial to renew your landlord gas safety certification before the expiration date of your current certificate. In the event of non-compliance, it could result in severe fines, and your equipment could be unsafe for tenants to use.
It is essential to make sure to schedule your gas safety check in advance if you have multiple properties. This will save you the stress of having to hunt down tenants who are unable to access your property and ensure that all of your properties are covered by a valid Gas Safety Certificate.