Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
If you're a landlord then it's your responsibility to give your tenants an official gas safety certificate. This should be done annually and prior to when any new tenants move in.
Only engineers who have been registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can verify their credentials by looking at their Gas Safe ID card.
What is what is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlord gas certificates, also known as CP12 certificates or CP12 certificates certificates, prove that the gas appliance and flue have been tested and are safe to use by an engineer who is registered. These certificates are legally required of anyone who rents property and must be renewed each year to be in compliance with UK laws.
During the inspection an Gas Safe engineer will check all of the property's gas appliances, pipework and flues for evidence of leaks or unsafe operation. They will also test for carbon monoxide, and ensure there is sufficient ventilation. The average home inspection takes between 30 and an hour.
In the event of an issue the engineer will notify you of the problem and recommend any needed repairs to ensure your tenants' safety. If you do not complete the recommended repairs then you won't be issued with an official gas safety certificate for your landlord.
A landlord gas safety certificate is essential to ensure the health and safety of your tenants. You could be fined hefty amounts and your tenants could be at risk of carbon dioxide poisoning or other gas-related issues if you do not have one. It's worth mentioning that the cost of the CP12 certificate can differ between different providers and it's a good idea to get multiple estimates for your property prior to making an investment.
No1PHD is a reliable service provider in Newport Pagnell. We have a national network of gas engineers. This means that we can send an expert to your home quickly, even if it is an same-day service. This is in stark contrast with sole-operator gas engineers who are often busy and not able to respond urgent requests.
Landlords are also legally obliged to display their gas safety record and provide it to tenants at the completion of their annual gas safety inspection. This document will contain an inventory of all gas appliances and flues that have been checked and the date it was completed.
Why do I need a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
As a landlord it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances and flues in your property are safe for use. This includes making sure that they undergo regular inspections and that you have an appropriate gas safety certificate. Infractions could result in heavy fines or criminal proceedings.
It is recommended to get your landlord's gas safety check carried out by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. This will ensure your gas appliance and flues work well, are free from issues and safe for your tenants to use.
After the annual check, you must provide an official gas safety certificate for your landlord to your tenants and display it on the property. It should be provided to tenants within 28 days of the annual service and to new tenants at the time they start their tenancy.
If you own multiple properties, it is crucial to have each one checked and displayed a Gas Safety Certificate. This will enable you to keep track of each certificate before it expires.
Landlords are also accountable for any sublet properties they may have. While the landlord in charge has responsibilities that are not transferable to the person leasing the property, they must ensure that the responsibilities are clearly defined in the contractual agreements.
A CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords is proof that your gas appliances and flues have been tested and work correctly. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are competent to conduct these tests. Be sure that the person you hire has an authentic Gas Safe ID Card.
If your tenants are refusing to permit access for gas safety checks, you can write a strong letter stating why it's important and what the repercussions could be if they continue to block access. You can also apply to the courts for a warrant of entry.
It is also important to note that it is against law for a tenant or landlord to force entry into their property. This is outlined in section 39 of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998.
How can I obtain an Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Gas Safe engineers will inspect the gas appliances and pipework inside your home in order to get a landlord's gas safety certificate. The engineer will issue an CP12 certification that confirms the safety of your property's pipes and gas appliances. This is a requirement for all landlords regardless of whether they manage only one property or they manage dozens of rental properties.
Landlords must also ensure that their tenants are aware of the importance of regular maintenance, which includes periodic checks on gas appliances and pipework. This is particularly important for older or poorly-maintained appliances because they are more susceptible to breakdown or malfunction. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to find out the frequency at which your appliances need to be serviced.
You should also ensure that you have a gas safety check when your home is vacant for a long period of time, as this could be an chance for vandalism or criminal activity. Once the inspection is complete, you will be issued with a new Gas Safety Record that will contain all the findings. The report can be distributed to your tenants to give them assurance that the property is safe for occupation.
Your engineers will ask for permission to cut off your gas supply if they find any issues with your appliances. This is a crucial step to avoid any potential dangers to your tenants. It is essential to follow the advice of your engineers as quickly as you can to avoid putting anyone in danger.
Occasionally, it can be difficult to gain access to a property in order to carry out the gas safety inspection. In these instances you'll need to prove you've completed all "reasonable steps" to meet your legal obligations, which includes writing to tenants and explaining that gas safety checks are essential for their security. You can request the engineer to return at a later date or in the case of extreme circumstances, you may have to seek legal advice.
Can I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate for multiple properties?
As a landlord you are required to test your gas appliances and flues each year. review is to ensure that they are working safely and that your tenants are in a safe environment in which to reside. Landlords must also provide their tenants with the gas safety certificate within 28 days of the check and display it in a prominent spot in the property.
The law governing landlord gas safety is updated frequently to reflect the latest technologies and the ways we use our homes. For example, the latest changes to the Gas Safety Regulations allow landlords to renew their gas safety certificates up to two months prior to the date of expiration without losing any validity period. This reduces the risk of being in breach and improves maintenance planning.
Only a registered Gas Safe Register engineer can issue a landlord gas safety certificate. It is essential to locate an experienced engineer who can carry out a full 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 relevant regulations.
It is worth persuading your tenant to let you access their home to conduct the annual gas safety checks. You can send them a letter stating the importance of the checks and what they will be. If they are still refusing you, you could try serving them with an Section 21 notice or applying to the courts for an injunction.
It is important to renew your landlord's gas safety certificate prior to when the expiration date of your current certificate. In the event of not doing so, it could result in hefty penalties and could render your appliances unsafe for tenants to use.
If you are a landlord who has multiple properties, it is crucial to keep on track of when your gas safety inspections are due to expire. You should also schedule them in advance. This will help you avoid the hassle of having your tenants chase you for access, and will ensure that all of your properties have a valid Gas Safety Certificate.