The 10 Scariest Things About Gas Safety Certificate And Boiler Service
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances as well as chimneys and flues are inspected annually. The law also requires that you provide a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that any appliance or installation is imminently dangerous the engineer will request permission to cut off the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is an official document that confirms that all gas appliances and flues in the rental property have been checked by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for an annual gas inspection for each rental property that they own at least once per year. Gas Safe registered engineers carry out the inspection and check that all pipework, appliances and flues are in compliance with safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record), following every annual inspection and test for gas safety. 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 lease.
CP12 is an abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before it was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form shows the date of the last gas inspection and tests as well as the results of these tests, any actions or issues that require to be addressed, and the name of the person who performed the check.
The engineer will provide advice on the spot 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 have to be turned off until the problem has been resolved.
It is a crime for a tenant to refuse to allow the gas safety inspection to be conducted. If needed landlords can apply to the courts for a court order to stop the tenant from refusing to allow gas safety inspections. However, it is usually easier to send a letter that explains why the checks are essential and what will be required. This will encourage a tenant who is reluctant to let access to the property. If not the landlord is not willing, he will have to start the eviction procedure.
How often do I need to renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
In the law, landlords and let agents are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all gas appliances and chimneys that they provide to their tenants. This is to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks in the building. This is a vitally important responsibility and landlords should make sure that they are inspected for gas by a qualified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that the gas inspection was conducted by a qualified engineer in the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord gas safety certificate cost, and should also be given to the tenant in order to demonstrate the safety of gas supply. It is valid for 12 months and needs to be renewed every year.
If a landlord is unable to provide their tenants with the Gas Safety Certificate then they are in violation of the law and could be punished by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be performed by landlords on time. They should also keep a copy of the certificate in the event that tenants request it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea, since it allows engineers to easily access the appliances for their annual inspections. The engineer will categorise the appliance as being at-risk and may suggest that tenants refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords must also give their tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This will allow tenants to prepare for the visit and provide permission if necessary. If a tenant refuses to permit the engineer to enter the landlord must write to them explaining why it is necessary and what will happen if they don't comply. If the tenant still refuses then the landlord should think about evicting them under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety certificate cost?
It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to ensure that their property has a gas safety certificate valid prior to the time tenants move in. Failure to do this is an offence that can lead to landlords being charged and liable to heavy fines. The regulations also stipulate that landlords must give a copy of the gas safety certificate to their tenants on request.
Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property for an inspection of all gas appliances. During the inspection, an engineer will be able to identify any issues that could be a threat to tenants. They will issue an CP12 gas safety certificate, which is known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is a vital piece of documentation that all tenants should get a hold of and keep. It contains information about the gas installations of a rented property and also details regarding when they last tested and their expiry dates. It can help tenants spot any issues with their appliances or installation and make sure that they are aware of how long does gas safety certificate last to reach a Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords are required to provide their tenants, both new and existing, with a gas safety report within 28 days of the date that the engineer visits their property. They must also provide a copy of the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy begins. Landlords who do not provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted in accordance with the regulations and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
In the same way, landlords should ensure that carbon monoxide detectors work in their homes and make arrangements for them to be checked every month. If the alarm isn't functioning, the landlord has to repair it. This is the case for private landlords, councils and housing associations as well as licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017, the High Court decided that it was illegal for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with a valid gas safety certificate. The decision was made in accordance with the law that stipulates that landlords with assured shorthold leases must have an approved gas safety certificate for their property prior to the time tenants move in.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 regulate this. To ensure compliance with the regulations landlords are required to conduct annual gas checks of all gas appliances and flues they supply to tenants. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be completed by a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should also consider having a boiler inspection done simultaneously with a CP12 inspection. This will ensure that the gas appliances are functioning properly and safely. Landlords can typically get a combined CP12 and boiler service for an affordable cost from a qualified gas engineer who will be able to examine the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for leaks and cracks as well as clean the heat exchanger and burner and conduct general maintenance.
The CP12 is often referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate" however it is actually known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It contains the results of safety inspections, and specifics about any issues or actions that should be addressed. Landlords are required to give their tenants a CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is essential that landlords or letting agents only allow Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's important to educate tenants about the importance of allowing gas engineers access to the property and explain that the engineer's job is to protect them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If a tenant is hesitant to allow access it is the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility clarify the legal obligations in writing, and follow by visiting the property to force entry if needed.
Tenants should always ask to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to entering the premises, as this will prove that they're competent to work on your home's gas systems and is able to complete the gas safety check efficiently and efficiently. It's important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally permitted to shut off any malfunctioning equipment and cut off gas lines when necessary.