Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
If you're a landlord, then it is your obligation to give your tenants an official gas safety certificate. This should be done each year, and prior to when new tenants move into the property.
Only engineers that are registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can check the credentials of engineers by looking at their Gas Safe ID cards.
What is What is Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Landlord gas certificates also known as CP12 certificates or CP12 certificates for short certificates, prove that the gas appliance or flue has been inspected and are safe to use by a registered engineer. These certificates are a legal requirement of any landlord and must be renewed every year to comply with UK laws.
During the inspection, a Gas Safe engineer will check the entire property's gas appliances, pipes and flues for evidence of leaks or unsafe operation. The engineer will also look for carbon monoxide and ensure that there is adequate ventilation. The typical home inspection lasts between 30 and an hour.
The engineer will inform you if there is an issue and will recommend any necessary repairs to ensure the safety of your tenants. If you fail to make the necessary repairs, you will not be issued a landlord gas safety certificate.
A landlord gas safety certification is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of your tenants. You could be fined substantial amounts and your tenants could be at risk of carbon dioxide poisoning, as well as other gas-related issues if do not have one. It is important to remember that CP12 certificates may vary in cost between different companies. Therefore, it is a wise idea to obtain multiple quotes prior to making a decision.
No1PHD is your trusted service provider in Newport Pagnell. We have a nationwide network of gas engineers, which means that we can send an engineer to your location quickly and efficiently even if you need the same day service. This is in stark contrast to sole-operator gas engineers who are often busy and not able to respond quickly to urgent requests.
Landlords are also legally obliged to display their gas safety record and provide it to all tenants following the conclusion of their annual gas safety inspection. This document will contain the list of all gas appliances and flues that have been checked and the date on which 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 flues or gas appliances that are located in your home are safe to use. Failure to adhere could result in heavy fines or criminal legal proceedings.
It is recommended to have your landlord's gas safety checks carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues are operating in good condition, free of problems and safe for use by your tenants.
A valid gas safety certificate from your landlord must be given to your tenants following the annual service and displayed in the property. It should be provided to current tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants at the start of their lease.
If you have multiple properties, it is crucial to have each one checked and display a Gas Safety Certificate. This will allow you to keep track of the expiry dates for each certificate and make sure you renew them prior to when they expire.
Landlords are also accountable for any sub-let properties they may have. While the original landlord retains the responsibilities that are not transferable to the person letting out the property, they are required to ensure that responsibilities are clearly assigned in contractual agreements.
A CP12 landlord gas safety certificate is proof that you have had your gas appliances and flues tested and are in good functioning order. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are competent to conduct these tests. Make sure the engineer you hire has a valid Gas Safe ID Card.
If your tenants are refusing to allow access for the gas safety inspections and gas safety checks, you can write a strongly worded letter explaining why it is important and what the consequences could be in the event that they continue to restrict access. You can also apply to the courts for a warrant of entry.
It is also important to note that it is against law for a landlord or tenant to forcibly enter their home. This is stated in section 39 of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998.
How do I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, a qualified Gas Safe engineer will need to examine your property's gas appliances and pipework. They will then issue an CP12 certificate to confirm the gas appliances and flues are safe for use. This is a requirement for all landlords regardless of whether they manage a single property or if they manage dozens of rental properties.
Landlords should also ensure that their tenants are aware of regular maintenance, which includes annual checks on gas appliances and pipework. This is particularly important for older or poorly-maintained appliances, as these can be more prone to breakdown or malfunction. Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine how often your appliances should be serviced.
If your home has been vacant for a prolonged period it is recommended that you be sure to have it inspected for gas safety. This could create an possibility for criminal activity or vandalism. Once the inspection is completed you will be issued a new Gas Safety Record that will contain all the findings. This will be given to your tenants in order to provide peace of mind that the property is safe for occupation.
If your engineers discover problems with your gas appliances, they'll ask permission to shut off the supply. This is an essential step to avoid any potential risks to your tenants. It is essential to follow the advice of your engineers as soon as you can to avoid putting anyone in danger.
Sometimes, it's hard to gain access into a building to conduct an inspection of gas safety. In such circumstances you'll need to prove you've completed all "reasonable steps" to meet your legal obligations, which includes writing to tenants and stating that gas checks are necessary to ensure their safety. You may also request the engineer to visit on a different occasion or, in extreme cases, you may need to seek legal advice.
Can I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate for multiple properties?
As a landlord is legally required to have your gas appliances and flues tested annually. gas safety engineer Newport Pagnell will ensure that your tenants live in a safe space and that your appliances are operating safely. Landlords must provide an original copy of their gas safety record to tenants within 28 days after the check. They are also required to keep it visible in the property.
The law around gas safety for landlords is frequently amended to reflect new technologies and the ways in which we use our homes. The most recent changes to Gas Safety Regulations, for instance, provide landlords with the option to renew their certificates up to two months before the deadline without losing any validity. This change helps reduce the chance of not being in compliance and enables improved maintenance planning.
A gas safety certificate for landlords can only be issued by a licensed engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. It is important to find an experienced engineer who can conduct a thorough inspection of your property and all gas appliances. After the inspection the engineer will issue a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) which confirms your property meets all relevant regulations.
It is worth persuading your tenant to allow you to access their property for the annual gas safety checks. You can write a letter to your tenant outlining the importance of these checks and what will be expected. If they are unable to comply, you can issue them with a Section 21 Notice or apply to the courts for an injunction for a short period of time.
It is important to renew your landlord gas safety certificate prior to when the current certificate expires. Failure to do so can result in costly penalties and could render your appliances unsafe for your tenants to use.
If you are a landlord who owns multiple properties, it is crucial to keep on track of when your gas safety checks are due to expire and schedule them in advance. This will eliminate the stress of having your tenants hound you for access, and ensure that all your properties have an active Gas Safety Certificate.