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. The law also requires you provide a copy the check to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that any installation or appliance is imminently dangerous they will ask permission to shut off the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord's gas safety certificate is an official document that certifies that all gas appliances and flues that are in the rental property have been checked by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for an annual gas inspection for each rental property that they own at least once per year. The inspection is carried out by an Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all of the pipework appliances, flues, and pipes are in good working order and that they are in compliance with the safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to give tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) at the time of every annual inspection and test for gas safety. The certificate should be provided to tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the start of their lease.
CP12 is an abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 which was employed by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form contains the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, their results, any actions that must be taken, and the name and title of the engineer that conducted the inspection.
The engineer will provide advice if the Gas Safety Check reveals any problems with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be addressed in order to ensure it is safe to 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 has been solved.
If a tenant refuses to permit access to the gas safety checks to be carried out the tenant is guilty of a criminal offence. A landlord can ask the courts for an injunction order should it be necessary, but it is usually much easier to simply send a strongly worded letter explaining the reason why the checks are made and what they'll involve. This will encourage the tenant who is hesitant to allow access to the property. If not the landlord is not willing, he will have to initiate the eviction process.
How often should I receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
The landlords and letting agencies are required by law to carry out an annual gas safety inspection on all flues and gas appliances that are supplied to their tenants. This is done to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and that there are no gas leaks within the property. Gas inspections are an essential obligation for landlords, and they must ensure they are carried out by a qualified engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that the gas inspection was performed by a licensed engineer in the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should also be given to the tenant to prove the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and has to be renewed annually.
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 must keep a copy in the event that tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches on all gas appliances is a good idea, because it lets engineers gain access to the appliances to conduct annual inspections. The engineer will classify the appliance as 'at-risk' and may suggest that tenants refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
The landlords should also ensure that they give their tenants at least 24 hours notice before they enter the property to conduct Gas Safety checks. This allows tenants time to plan their inspection and request permission if needed. If a tenant does not allow entry to the engineer, the landlord must explain the reason why it is necessary and what would happen in the event that the tenant refuses. If the tenant does not allow the engineer entry, the landlord can think about evicting the tenant in accordance with section 21 of 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
In short, it's the landlord's legal responsibility to ensure that their property is equipped with a valid gas safety certification prior to the time tenants move into. Failure to comply with this law can result in a landlord being prosecuted or fined severely. The regulations require that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to conduct a gas check on all gas appliances. During the inspection the engineer will be able to identify any issues that may cause a threat for tenants. They will issue the CP12 gas safety certificate which is known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is a crucial document that every tenant should take possession of and keep. This document contains information about gas installations in a rental property as well as the date they were tested as well as their expiration dates. It will help tenants recognize any issues with the appliances or installation and make sure that they are aware of how to contact an 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 date that the engineer visits their property. They must also give a copy of the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy commences. Landlords who do not provide a copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted in accordance with the regulations and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
Similar to this landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are in operation in their properties and arrange for them being tested every month. The landlord is responsible for repairing the problem if the alarm does not work. The rules around this apply to council, private and housing association landlords and also to licensable houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
In June 2017 the High Court ruled that it was illegal for landlords to send Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid gas Safety Certificate. The ruling was based on the law that requires landlords with assured shorthold tenancies to have an official gas safety certificate for their property before tenants move into it.
How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that gas appliances, flues and pipework within the properties they lease are safe. This is covered by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To be in compliance with these regulations, landlords must arrange annual gas checks on all the gas appliances and flues that they provide for use within the property. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate. It must be filled out by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also think about performing a boiler inspection at the same time as a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Landlords can typically obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service at a reasonable price from a professional gas engineer, who will be able to check the seals on boiler burners, inspect the flue system for leaks and cracks, clean the heat exchanger and burner and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 is often called "landlord's gas safety certificate" but it actually is known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It lists the results of all safety inspections and the details of any actions or issues 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 or letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers to visit the property for safety checks and maintenance. It's a good idea to inform tenants about the importance of allowing access and explain that the gas engineer will protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is reluctant to let access in, it's the landlord or letting agent's responsibility explain the legal responsibilities in writing. Then follow with a visit to the property to force entry if necessary.
Gas Safe ID cards should be requested by tenants before entering the property. This will confirm that the engineer is competent to work on your home's systems and therefore be trusted to carry out the safety check. It's important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally able to disconnect faulty equipment and can shut off your gas supplies when necessary.