Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, chimneys and flues are regularly inspected. You must also provide a copy to your tenants.
If the engineer considers an appliance or installation to be immediately hazardous, they will ask for permission to disconnect the gas supply and recommend that inspection hatches are installed.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is an official document that proves that all gas appliances and flues in the rental property have been inspected by a qualified gas engineer. Landlords are legally required to organize a gas safety check once per year for each rental property they own. 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 in compliance with safety regulations.
Landlords are also legally required to give their tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) at the end of each year's gas safety inspection and test. The document should be handed out to tenants within 28 days following the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for the CORGI Proforma 12 that was used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form identifies the date of the last gas inspection or test, the results of these, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, and the name of the person who performed the inspection.
The engineer will offer advice on the spot if the Gas Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be corrected so that it is safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediate danger or Abnormally Lethal the gas supply will need to be turned off until the problem is resolved.
If a tenant refuses to permit access to the gas safety checks to be carried out the tenant is guilty of an infraction that is punishable by law. A landlord can ask the courts for an injunction order if necessary, however it is generally more efficient to simply send a well written letter that explains the reason why the checks are carried out and what they'll involve. This will encourage a reluctant tenant to allow access and, in the event that they do otherwise, the landlord could be required to begin the process of eviction.
How often should I renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
By law, landlords and agents for letting are required to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe to use and that there aren't any gas leaks in the property. This is an essential responsibility for landlords and they should be sure to have their gas inspections completed by a qualified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that an inspection of the gas supply has been performed by a licensed engineer within the past 12 months. It is issued by the landlord and must also be given to the tenant to prove the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months, and must be renewed each year.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants with an Gas Safety Certificate then they are in violation of the law and could be punished by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They must also keep a copy in case tenants ask for it.
It is also a good idea for landlords to put inspection hatches on all gas appliances to allow engineers to easily access the hatches for annual inspections. The engineer will label the appliance as being at-risk and may suggest that tenants stop using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords must also ensure that they provide their tenants with at least 24 hours notice before they are allowed to enter the property to conduct Gas Safety checks. This will allow tenants to prepare for the visit and provide permission if necessary. If a tenant does not allow entry to the engineer the landlord has to explain the reason why it is necessary and what happens in the event that the tenant refuses. If the tenant is still refusing, then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is the consequence if you don't possess a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to ensure that their property is equipped with an approved gas safety certificate prior to the time tenants move in. Failing to do so is an offense that could cause landlords to be punished with severe fines. The regulations also stipulate that landlords must provide an electronic copy of the gas safety certificate to their tenants upon request.
Landlords must have a Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to conduct an inspection of all gas appliances. During the inspection the engineer will take note of any issues that may cause a threat to tenants. The engineer will then issue the CP12 Gas Safety Document, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is an important document that every tenant should keep. It contains information about the gas appliances in the rental property, as well as details regarding when they last tested and when they expire. It can assist tenants in identifying issues with their appliances or installations and make sure that they know how to contact the Gas Safe Engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide their new and current tenants with a gas safety check report within 28 days of the date that the engineer visits their property. They must also give a copy of the CP12 to the tenant on the day that their tenancy commences. Landlords who do not provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted under the regulations and could face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
Similar to this, landlords should ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are in operation in their properties and have them tested every month. The landlord is responsible for repairing the problem if the alarm does not work. This is applicable to private landlords, councils and housing associations, as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017 in June 2017, the High Court decided that it was unlawful for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with a valid gas safety certificate. The ruling was by reference to the law which stipulates that landlords with assured shorthold tenancies must obtain a gas safety record for their property prior to the time tenants move into the property.
How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally accountable for ensuring 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 ensure compliance with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas checks of all gas appliances and flues that they install for use in the property. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate. It must be signed by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
It is also a good idea for landlords to think about having a boiler service carried out in conjunction with the CP12 inspection, since it will help ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Landlords can typically obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service at an affordable price from a qualified gas engineer. They can check the seals on boiler burners, check the flue system for leaks and cracks as well as clean the heat exchanger and burner and perform general maintenance.
The CP12 document is commonly known as the 'landlord's gas safety certificate' but it is actually the Gas Safety Record documentation. It lists the results of all the safety checks and the details of any actions or problems that need to be addressed. Landlords are required to give tenants a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.
It is crucial that landlords and letting agents only allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea to inform tenants about the necessity of allowing access, and explaining that the gas engineer will ensure they are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to allow access, the landlord or agent must outline the legal obligations in writing. They should then visit the property and force entry if required.
Gas Safe ID cards should be requested by tenants before allowing them to enter the property. landlord gas safety certificate cp12 will prove that the engineer is competent to work with the systems in your home and can therefore be trusted to perform the safety inspection. Be aware that a gas engineer can legally disconnect the malfunctioning equipment or cut off the gas supply in case of need.