Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys undergo annual checks. The law also requires you provide a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer considers that any appliance or installation is immediate danger, they will request permission to shut off the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is an official document that proves that all gas appliances and flues that are in the rented property have been inspected by an accredited gas engineer. Landlords are required to arrange the gas check for each rental property that they own at least once per year. The inspection is performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all pipework appliances, flues, and pipes are in good working order and that they comply with the safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) after each annual inspection and test for gas safety. This should be provided to current tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the beginning of their tenure.
CP12 is what is a gas safety certificate of the CORGI Proforma 12 that was used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form identifies the date of the last gas inspection and tests and the results, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, and the name of the person who performed the test.
The engineer will provide advice if the Gas Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will outline what needs to be addressed so that it is safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediate danger or Abnormally Lethal the gas supply must be shut off until the issue is solved.
If a tenant refuses to allow access for gas security checks to be conducted it is a criminal offence. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction in the event of need, but it is generally more efficient to simply send a strongly written letter that explains the reason why the checks are conducted and what they will involve. This can convince a tenant who is reluctant to give access, and in the event that they do not, the landlord may need to consider starting the eviction process.
How often should I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
In the law, landlords and letting agents are required to conduct an annual safety check of the chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is to ensure that the equipment is safe for them to use and that there are no gas leaks in the property. Gas inspections are an essential obligation for landlords, and they must ensure that they are carried out by a licensed engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document which affirms that an engineer has completed a gas inspection within the last 12 months. It is issued to the landlord and should be handed over to the tenant as proof of the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for 12 months and has to be renewed each year.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate then they are breaking the law and could be punished by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be carried out by landlords on time. They should also keep a copy of the certificate in case tenants request it.
It is also a good idea for landlords to put inspection hatches on all gas appliances to allow engineers to easily access them for annual inspections. The engineer will label 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 to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This will allow tenants to prepare for the visit and provide permission if needed. If a tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer entry the landlord must inform them the reason for the visit and what will happen if they don't follow through. If the tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer entry, the landlord may consider evicting the tenant under section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to make sure that their property is fitted with an official gas safety certificate that is valid prior to the time tenants move into. Failing to do so is an offence that can lead to landlords being prosecuted and subject to severe fines. The regulations state that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety records 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, the engineer will note any issues that may cause a threat for tenants. They will then issue the CP12 gas safety certificate which is known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is a vital document that every tenant must get a hold of and keep. This document contains information about gas installations in a rental home as well as the date they were tested and expiration dates. It can help tenants identify problems with appliances or installations and ensure that they are aware of how to contact an Gas Safe Engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide a gas safety report to their tenants, new and current within 28 days of the date that the engineer has visited their property. The landlord is also required to provide the copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords who fail in providing the the gas certificate can be charged and face unlimited fines or even six months in prison.
The same way landlords must ensure that carbon monoxide detectors work in their homes and have them tested each month. If the alarm is not functioning, the landlord has to fix it. The rules around this are applicable to private, council and housing association landlords, as well as to licensable Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
In June 2017, the High Court decided that it was unlawful for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with a valid gas safety certificate. The decision was based on a law that requires landlords with assured shorthold tenancies to obtain an official gas safety certificate for their property before tenants move into it.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework within their properties are safe for tenants. This is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To comply with the regulations, landlords are required to conduct annual gas checks of all gas appliances and flues they supply for use in a property. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate. It must be filled out by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
It is also an excellent idea for landlords to look into having the boiler service completed simultaneously with the CP12 inspection, since this will ensure that all gas appliances are functioning properly and safely. Gas engineers can offer the combination CP12 inspection and boiler service at a reasonable price. They will inspect the boiler burner's seals, inspect for leaks and cracks within the flue system, clean the heat exchanger, and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 is often known as "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 provide their tenants the CP12 document within 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is crucial that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's important to educate tenants about the importance of permitting gas engineers access to the property. They should explain that the engineer's presence is necessary to protect them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to permit access the agent or landlord must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then visit the property and force entry if required.
Tenants must always request to see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before they allow them into the home to ensure that they are properly qualified to work on the gas systems in your home and is able to complete the gas safety test efficiently and efficiently. Be aware that a gas technician can legally remove faulty equipment or cut off your gas supply if needed.