Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, chimneys and flues are inspected every year. You should also give a copy of the report to your tenants.
If the engineer considers that any installation or appliance is immediate danger they will ask permission to disconnect the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is the definition of a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is an official document that confirms that all gas appliances and flues within the rented property were inspected by an accredited gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for an annual gas inspection for each rental property they own at least once a year. The inspection is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and checks to ensure that all pipework, appliances, and flues are in good working order and that they comply with the safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record), following each annual inspection and test for gas safety. This should be given to tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
CP12 is the abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 that was used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the MK Gas Safety Safe Register. The form contains the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, the results, any actions that must be taken, as well as the name and the title of the engineer who conducted the inspection.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any problems with a gas device the engineer will provide advice on what needs to be done to ensure its safe use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediate danger or Abnormally Lethal, the gas supply will need to be disconnected until the issue is fixed.
It is illegal for a tenant to refuse to allow the gas safety check to be carried out. A landlord can ask the courts for an injunction should it be necessary, but it is generally more efficient to simply send a strongly worded letter explaining the reasons why it is crucial that the checks are carried out and what they will entail. This should encourage a reluctant tenant to give access, and in the event that they do otherwise, the landlord could have to think about starting the process of eviction.
How often do I need to renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
In the law, landlords and agents for letting are required to conduct an annual gas safety inspection of all chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is to ensure that the appliances are safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks within the property. This is a crucial obligation and landlords must make sure that they have their gas inspections completed by a licensed 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 completed by a qualified engineer within the past 12 months. It is issued by the landlord, and should be provided to the tenant to prove the safety of gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and has to be renewed annually.
A landlord who fails to provide an Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be fined. Gas Safety checks must be carried out by landlords on time. They must also keep a copy in case tenants ask for it.
Installing inspection hatches in all gas appliances is a good idea, as it allows engineers to easily access the appliances for annual inspections. The engineer will classify the appliance as 'at-risk' and may recommend that tenants refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch is installed.
Landlords are also required to provide their tenants with at least 24 hours' notice prior entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to prepare and request permission if needed. If a tenant does not allow entry to the engineer, the landlord must explain the reason for this and what will happen in the event that the tenant refuses. If the tenant still refuses the engineer entry, then the landlord must look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What happens if you don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of landlords to ensure that their property is equipped with an official gas safety certificate that is valid prior to the time tenants move into. Failing to do so is an offense that could cause landlords to be charged and liable to heavy fines. The regulations state that landlords must also furnish copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property for a gas check on all gas appliances. During the inspection, an engineer will be able to identify any issues that could pose a risk 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 an important document that every tenant should keep. This document provides information on gas installations in a rental property and the dates they were tested as well as their expiration dates. It will help tenants recognize any issues with the appliances or installation and ensure that they know how to contact an Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords are required to provide the gas safety report to their tenants, both new and current within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. They must also provide a copy the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy commences. Landlords who fail to provide a copy of the gas safety certificate can be prosecuted under the rules and face unlimited fines or a six-month imprisonment.
Similarly, landlords must ensure that their properties have working carbon monoxide alarms. They should also arrange that they be tested every month. The landlord is responsible for fixing the problem if the alarm does not work. The rules around this apply to private, council and housing association landlords, as well as licensable houses of multiple Occupation (HMOs).
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 certification. The ruling was in accordance with the law that states that landlords with assured shorthold leases must have a gas safety record for their property prior to the time tenants move in.
How do I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are required by law to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe for tenants. This is covered by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. In order to comply with the regulations, landlords are required to arrange annual gas checks on all gas appliances and flues they supply for use in the property. This is called a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be signed by a licensed Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
It is also recommended for landlords to look into having an annual boiler service performed at the same time as the CP12 inspection, since this will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Landlords can typically get a combined CP12 and boiler service at an affordable cost from a qualified gas engineer, who will be able to check the seals on boiler burners, inspect the flue system for cracks and leaks, clean the heat exchanger and burner and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often known as the 'landlord's gas safety certificate', however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all safety checks and details of any actions or problems that need to be resolved. 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 and letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property for safety inspections and maintenance. It is a good idea to educate tenants on the importance of allowing access and explain that the gas engineer will help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If a tenant is hesitant to let access in it's the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility explain the legal responsibilities in writing. Then follow by visiting the property to force entry if needed.
Gas Safe ID cards should be requested by tenants prior to they are allowed to enter the property. This will prove that the engineer is qualified to work with your home's systems and therefore be trusted to conduct the safety inspection. It is also important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally allowed to disconnect faulty equipment and cut off your gas supplies if necessary.