Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
If you're a landlord, then it is your obligation to give your tenants an official gas safety certificate. This should be done every year and before any new tenants move into the property.
Only engineers that are registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can verify the credentials of engineers by looking at their Gas Safe ID cards.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Landlord gas safety certificates or CP12 certificates, confirm that the landlord's gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a registered engineer and are safe to use. They are a legal requirement for those who lease out their property, and must be renewed every year in order to be in compliance with UK law.
During the inspection an Gas Safe engineer will check the property's gas appliances, pipes and flues for evidence of leaks or unsafe operation. The engineer will also look for carbon monoxide and make sure that there is adequate ventilation. The inspection usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour for a home of a similar size.
The engineer will notify you of an issue and will recommend any necessary repairs to ensure the security of your tenants. If you fail to make the necessary repairs then you won't receive an official gas safety certificate for your landlord.
A landlord gas safety certification is essential to ensure the health and safety of your tenants. You could be fined substantial amounts and your tenants could be at risk of getting carbon dioxide poisoning, as well as other gas-related issues if you don't have one. It is important to note that CP12 certificates may vary in price between different providers. Therefore, it is recommended to get several quotes before making a decision.
No1PHD can be your reliable service provider for Newport Pagnell. We have a national network of gas engineers. This means that we are able to send an expert to your property quickly even if it's an emergency service. This is a stark contrast to sole operator gas engineers who are usually booked and unable to meet urgent requests.
Landlords are also legally obliged to show their gas safety records, which should be given to tenants at the conclusion of their annual gas safety checks. The document will include the list of all gas appliances and flues that were checked, as well as an account of the date when it was completed.
Why should I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
As the 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 approved landlord gas safety certificate. In the absence of this, it could result in substantial fines or even criminal proceedings.
It is recommended to get your landlord's gas safety inspection conducted by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. This will ensure your gas appliance and flues are operating well, are free from issues and safe for your tenants to use.
A valid gas safety certificate from your landlord must be given to your tenants following the annual inspection and displayed in the property. It should be provided to tenants within 28 days after the annual service, and to new tenants when they begin their tenure.
If you are a landlord who has multiple properties, you must have them all checked and display the Gas Safety Certificate for each one. This will help keep track of the expiry dates for each certificate, and make sure you renew them before they run out.
Landlords are also accountable for any sublet properties they may have. While the original landlord retains duties which cannot be transferred to the person leasing the property, they are required to ensure that the responsibilities are clearly defined in the contractual agreements.
A CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords proves that your gas appliances and flues have been tested and are working properly. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform these tests. Therefore, make sure that the engineer you hire is a registered Gas Safe ID card.
If your tenants do not allow access for the gas safety checks and gas safety checks, you could write a clearly written letter explaining why it's crucial and what the consequences could be should they continue to refuse access. Alternatively, you can also request the courts for an entry warrant.
It is also worth noting that it is illegal for landlords to compel access to their property or use force to gain access. This is stated in section 39 of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998.
How do I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
Gas Safe engineers will inspect the gas appliances and pipework within your property to obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate. The engineer will issue a CP12 certification that confirms the safety of your property's pipes and gas appliances. This is a legal requirement for all landlords regardless of whether you have one property or an entire portfolio of rental properties.
Landlords also need to ensure that their tenants understand the importance of regular maintenance and annual inspections of all gas appliances and pipework. This is especially crucial for older or poorly maintained appliances that are more likely to fail or malfunction. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to see the frequency at which your appliances need to be maintained.
If your property has been empty for a prolonged period, you should be sure to have it inspected for gas safety. This could provide an opportunity to commit vandalism or crime. Once the inspection is complete you will be issued with a new Gas Safety Record that will detail all the results. The report can be distributed to your tenants in order to give them assurance that the property is safe to be occupied.
Your engineers will ask for permission to shut off your gas supply if they find any problems with your appliances. This is an essential step to prevent any risks to your tenants. It is crucial to adhere to the recommendations of your engineers as soon as possible to avoid putting anyone at risk.
Sometimes, it's difficult to gain access to a home in order to carry out the gas safety inspection. In such circumstances you have to prove that you've taken all "reasonable steps" to meet your legal obligations, which includes writing to tenants and explaining that gas checks are necessary for their security. You can request the engineer to come back at a later time 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 is required by law to have your flues and gas appliances checked annually. This will ensure that your tenants live in a safe and secure environment and that the appliances are working safely. Landlords are required to give the gas safety record to tenants within 28 days of the check. They must also keep it visible in the property.
The law governing landlord gas safety is updated frequently to reflect the latest technology and the way we use our homes. For example, the latest modifications 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 of the validity time. This reduces the risk of being in breach and enables improved maintenance planning.
A landlord gas safety certificate is only issued by a qualified engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. It is essential to locate an experienced engineer who can complete a thorough inspection of your home and all gas appliances. After the inspection the engineer will issue you a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) which certifies that your home meets all relevant regulations.
It is a good idea to convince your tenant to let you access their home to conduct the annual gas safety checks. You can send a letter to your tenant outlining the importance of these checks as well as what is involved. If they are unable to comply, you can serve them with a Section 21 Notice or apply to the courts for a temporary injunction.
It is crucial to renew your landlord's gas safety certificate before the current certificate expires. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, and your appliances could become unsafe for tenants to use.
It is essential to schedule your gas safety inspection in advance if you own several properties. Newport Pagnell gas engineer will eliminate the hassle of having your tenants hound you for access, and also ensure that all of your properties have an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate.