Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
It is your obligation as an owner to provide a gas safety certification to your tenants. This should be done each year and prior to any new tenants move in.
Only engineers who are registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can check their credentials by checking their Gas Safe ID card.
What is what is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Landlord gas safety certificates, also known as CP12 certificates, prove that the gas appliances of a landlord's and flues have been inspected by an engineer registered with the company and are safe to use. These certificates are legal requirements of anyone who rents property and must be renewed each year to ensure compliance with UK laws.
During the inspection an Gas Safe engineer will check all of the property's gas appliances, pipes and flues for signs of leaks or unsafe operation. They will also test for carbon monoxide, and ensure there is sufficient ventilation. The inspection typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour for an average-sized home.
If there is a problem the engineer will notify you of the problem and recommend any necessary repairs to ensure the safety of your tenants. If you do not carry out the recommended repair then you will not be able to obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate.
A landlord gas safety certificate is essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. Without one, you could face massive fines and your tenants may be at risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning or other gas related issues. It is important to note that CP12 certificates can vary in price between different providers. Therefore, it is a wise idea to obtain several quotes before making a final decision.
No1PHD can be your reliable service provider for Newport Pagnell. We have an extensive network of gas engineers. This means that we can dispatch an expert to your home quickly, even if it is an emergency service. This is in stark contrast with sole operator gas engineers, who are often booked up and unable to respond to urgent requests.
Landlords are also legally obliged to keep a record of their gas safety and provide it to all tenants following the conclusion of their annual gas safety checks. This document will include the list of all gas appliances and flues that have been inspected along with the date on which it was completed.
What is the reason I must obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances and flues within your property are safe for use. This includes making sure that they undergo regular inspections and that you are able to obtain a valid landlord gas safety certificate. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, or even criminal proceedings.
It is recommended to have your landlord's gas safety inspection conducted by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. This will ensure your gas appliance and flues are operating well, are free from defects and safe for your tenants to use.
After the annual check, you must provide an official landlord gas safety certification to your tenants and post it in the property. It must be handed out to current tenants within 28 days of the check and to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
If you have multiple properties, it is important to ensure that each property is inspected and displayed a Gas Safety Certificate. This will let you keep track of each certificate prior to when it expires.
Newport Pagnell gas engineer have to take responsibility for any sub-let accommodation that they may have. The original landlord is responsible for certain obligations that cannot be transferred to a tenant who leases out the property. However, they should ensure that the responsibilities are clearly defined in the lease.
A CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords proves that your gas appliances and flues have been tested and work correctly. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are competent to conduct these tests. Make sure the engineer you hire holds a valid Gas Safe ID Card.
If your tenants do not allow access to the gas safety checks and gas safety checks, you can write a strongly worded letter explaining why it is important and what the repercussions could be if they continue to block access. You may also request the court for a warrant to access.
It is also worth noting that it is not legal for a landlord to force access to their property, or to use force to gain access. This is outlined in section 39 of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998.
How do I get an Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Gas Safe engineers will inspect the gas appliances and pipework within your home in order to obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate. The engineer will issue an CP12 certification that demonstrates 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 make sure that tenants are aware of maintaining their appliances regularly, which includes periodic checks on gas appliances and pipework. This is especially important for older or less well-maintained appliances because they are more susceptible to malfunctioning or breaking down. If you're unsure the frequency of servicing your appliances, check the manufacturer guidelines to find out what's recommended.
If your property has been empty for a long period of time it is recommended that you have it checked for gas safety. This could create an opportunity to commit vandalism or crime. You will receive a new Gas Safety Record listing all the results once the test is completed. This can be given to your tenants to assure them that the home is safe to occupy.
If your engineers discover any problems with your gas appliances, they'll ask permission to shut off the supply. This is a crucial step to avoid any risks to your tenants. It's vital that you adhere to the recommendations of your engineers as quickly as you can to avoid putting anyone in danger.
Sometimes, it's difficult to gain access into a home to conduct an inspection for gas safety. In these instances you have to prove that you've taken all "reasonable steps" to meet your legal duties, including writing to tenants and stating that gas checks are necessary to ensure their security. 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 obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate for multiple properties?
As a landlord is legally required to have your flues and gas appliances examined every year. This will ensure that your tenants live in a safe environment and that the appliances are working safely. Landlords are required to give an original copy of their gas safety report to tenants within 28 days after the check. They must also display it prominently in the property.
The law around landlord gas safety is regularly amended to reflect new technologies and the way we use our homes. For instance, the most recent changes to the Gas Safety Regulations allow landlords to renew their gas safety certificates for up to two months before the deadline date without losing any of the validity period. This reduces the risk of being in breach and enables improved maintenance planning.
A gas safety certificate for landlords can only be issued by a qualified engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. It is important to find a reliable engineer who can carry out a full inspection of your property and all gas appliances. Once the inspection is complete, they will issue you with the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 which confirms that your property meets the relevant regulations.
If your tenant won't allow you to access their property for annual gas safety inspections it is worth trying to persuade them gently. You can write an email explaining the importance of the checks and what they will entail. If they refuse to comply, you may serve them with a Section 21 Notice or apply to the courts for an injunction for a short period of time.
When it comes time to renew your landlord's gas safety certificate, it is essential that you do it before the current one expires. In the event of non-compliance, it could result in significant fines, and your appliances could become unsafe for tenants to use.
If you are a landlord who owns multiple properties, it is essential to keep on track of when your gas safety checks are scheduled to expire. You should also schedule them in advance. This will help you avoid the stress of having to search for your tenants to gain access and ensure that all of your properties have a valid Gas Safety Certificate.