Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
It is your responsibility as an owner to provide a gas safety certificate to your tenants. This should be done every year and prior to when any new tenants move in.
Only registered engineers with Gas Safe are allowed to perform an CP12 Inspection. You can verify their credentials by checking their Gas Safe ID card.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Gas certificates for landlords also referred to as CP12 certificates or CP12 certificates, confirm that the gas appliance or flue has been examined and are safe for use by a registered engineer. These certificates are legal requirements of anyone who rents property and must be renewed each year to comply with UK laws.
During Newport Pagnell gas engineers will inspect all gas appliances, pipework and flues, looking for leaks or unsafe operations. The engineer will also test for carbon monoxide and ensure that there is enough ventilation. The typical home inspection lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
The engineer will inform you if there is a problem and recommend any necessary repairs to ensure the security of your tenants. If you fail to make the necessary repairs, you will not be issued an official gas safety certificate for your landlord.
A gas safety certificate for your landlord is an essential element of ensuring your tenants' health and wellbeing. Without one, you could be facing huge fines, and your tenants may be put at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other gas related issues. It's worth mentioning that the cost of a CP12 certificate can differ between different companies and it's a good idea to get multiple quotes for your home prior to making the decision.
No1PHD is your trusted service provider for Newport Pagnell. We have a national network of gas engineers, which means we can send an engineer to your home quickly and easily, even if you require the same day service. This is in stark contrast with sole-operator gas technicians who are often busy and not able to respond to urgent requests.
Landlords are also legally obliged to display their gas safety record and give it to tenants at the conclusion of their annual gas safety checks. This document will include a list of all the gas appliances and flues that have been examined, as well as an account of the date it was completed.
Why do I require a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances and flues that are in your property are safe to use. It is your responsibility as landlord to ensure that any gas appliances or flues within your property are safe to use. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, or even criminal proceedings.
Every 12 months it is recommended that an Gas Safe registered engineer perform a landlord gas safety inspection. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues work properly, are free of defects and safe for your tenants to use.
A valid gas safety certificate for your landlord must be given to your tenants following the annual inspection and displayed in the property. It should be provided to current tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.
If you own multiple properties, it is essential to have each one checked and display the Gas Safety Certificate. This will enable you to keep track of and renew each certificate before it expires.
Landlords are also accountable for any sublet property they might have. The landlord who originally owned the property has responsibilities that cannot be transferred to the person who is renting the property, they are required to ensure that the responsibilities are clearly allocated in contractual arrangements.
A CP12 landlord gas safety certificate proves you have been able to have your gas appliances and flues checked and are in good working order. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform these tests, so make sure that the engineer you choose is a registered Gas Safe ID card.
If your tenants are refusing to permit access for gas safety inspections and gas safety checks, you could write a clearly written letter stating why it's crucial and what the consequences could be should they continue to refuse access. You could also ask the court for a warrant for entry.
It is also important to remember that it is against the law for a tenant or landlord to force entry into their property. 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 inside your home to obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate. The engineer will issue a CP12 certificate that confirms the safety of your property's flues and gas appliances. This is legally required for all landlords, regardless of whether you have one property or a portfolio of rental properties.
Landlords must also ensure that their tenants are aware of the importance of regular maintenance, including annual checks on gas appliances and pipework. This is particularly crucial for older appliances that are not maintained properly which are more prone to malfunctioning or breaking down. If you are unsure of the frequency you should service your appliances, check the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to determine what is recommended.
It is important to make sure that you have a gas safety check if your property is empty for a long period of time, as this could be a prime opportunity for vandalism or criminal crime. You will receive a new Gas Safety Record listing all the results once the inspection is completed. The report can be distributed to your tenants to give them assurance that the property is safe to be occupied.
Your engineers will ask permission to disconnect your gas supply in the event of any problems with your appliances. This is an essential step to prevent any possible hazards or dangers to your tenants, and it's vital that you follow their advice as quickly as possible in order to ensure that no one is at risk.
Sometimes, it is difficult to gain entry into a home to conduct a gas safety inspection. In such cases you have to prove that you've taken all "reasonable steps" to meet your legal obligations, which includes sending letters to tenants and explaining that gas safety checks are essential for their safety. You can also request the engineer to come back on a different occasion, or in extreme cases, you may need to seek legal advice.
Do I qualify for a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate if I own multiple properties?
As a landlord is required by law to have your gas appliances and flues tested annually. This is to ensure they are operating in a safe manner and that your tenants enjoy the safety of their homes to live. Landlords are required to give a copy of their gas safety record to tenants within 28 days after the check. They must also place it in a prominent location within the property.
The law that governs landlord gas safety is updated regularly to reflect the latest technologies and how we use our homes. The most recent amendments to Gas Safety Regulations, for example, allow landlords the option to renew their certificates for up to two months before the expiration date without losing any validity period. This reduces the chance of not being in compliance and improves maintenance planning.
Only an accredited Gas Safe Register engineer can issue the landlord with a gas safety certificate. It is crucial to find an engineer that is reliable and able to carry out a full inspection of your home and all gas appliances. After the inspection is completed they will issue you with the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 which demonstrates that your home conforms to the applicable regulations.
It is a good idea to convince your tenant to allow you to access their property for your annual gas safety inspection. You can write them a letter explaining the importance of the checks and what they will entail. If they refuse to sign the checks, you could consider serving them with a Section 21 notice or applying to the courts for an injunction.
When it comes to renewing your landlord's gas safety certification, it is essential that you do it before the current one expires. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines, and your appliances may become unsafe for tenants to use.
It is crucial to make sure to schedule your gas safety check in advance if you have multiple properties. a knockout post will save you the stress of having to hunt down tenants who are unable to access your property and make sure that all of your properties have an active Gas Safety Certificate.