As an owner, it is 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 a particular appliance or installation is imminently dangerous the engineer will request permission to disconnect the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is a document which demonstrates that all of the gas appliances and flues have been checked by a certified gas engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to arrange a gas safety check every year for each rental property they own. Gas Safe registered engineers carry out the inspection and check that all pipework, appliances and flues are in compliance with safety regulations.
Landlords are also legally required to provide their tenants with copies of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) after each annual gas safety inspection and test. The document should be handed out to tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.
CP12 is an abbreviation used for the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form outlines the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, the results, any steps required to be taken, and the name and name of the engineer that conducted the check.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any problems with a gas appliance the engineer will provide advice on what must be done to make it safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediately dangerous or Abnormally Lethal the gas supply must be disconnected until the issue has been fixed.
If a tenant is unwilling to permit access to the gas safety checks to be completed, it is an infraction that is punishable by law. If needed the landlord has the right to ask the courts for a court order to prohibit the tenant from preventing the gas safety checks. However, it is usually easier to send a letter that explains why the checks are important and what's required. This should entice the tenant who is hesitant to let access to the property. If not the landlord has to initiate the eviction process.
How often do I need to renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
The law requires that landlords and letting agents are required to conduct an annual gas safety inspection of all gas appliances and chimneys that they provide to their tenants. This is to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks in the property. Gas inspections are an essential obligation for landlords, and they must ensure they are conducted by a qualified engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is legal document that confirms that an inspection of the gas supply has been performed by a licensed engineer within the past 12 months. It is given to the landlord and should be provided to the tenant as proof of the security of the gas supply. It is valid for 12 months and needs to be renewed each year.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants with an Gas Safety Certificate then they are breaking the law and could be penalized by the local authority. It is therefore essential for landlords to have their Gas Safety checks carried out on time and keep a copy of the documents in the event that a tenant asks for it.
It is also a good idea for landlords to set up inspection hatches on all gas appliances so that engineers can easily access the hatches for annual inspections. The engineer will label the appliance as being at-risk and may recommend that tenants refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords must also give tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to prepare and request permission if needed. If a tenant refuses the engineer's entry the landlord must explain the reason why it is necessary and what would happen in the event that the tenant refuses. If the tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord could think about evicting the tenant in accordance with section 21 of 1988 Housing Act.
What happens if I don't receive a Gas Safety Certificate?
In short it's a landlord's legal duty to ensure that their property is equipped with a valid gas safety certification prior to the time tenants move in. Failing to do so is an offence that can lead to landlords being punished with severe fines. The regulations stipulate that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety records to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord to perform a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection the engineer will take note of any issues that may cause a threat for tenants. The engineer will then issue the CP12 Gas Safety Document, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is a crucial document that every tenant must keep. This document provides information on gas installations in rental properties, including when they were tested and expiration dates. It can help tenants spot any issues with the appliances or installation and ensure that they are aware of how to reach a Gas Safe engineer to have them checked.
Landlords are required to provide an inspection report on gas safety to their tenants, new and existing within 28 days of the date that the engineer has visited their property. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 at the beginning of the lease. Landlords who do not provide a copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted in accordance with the regulations and could face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
The same way landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are in operation in their properties and arrange for them being tested every month. If an alarm is not working, the landlord must repair it. The rules around this apply to council, private and housing association landlords as well as 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 have a gas safety certification for their property prior to the time tenants move in.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally accountable to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework within the properties they rent out are safe. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 cover this. To comply with these regulations, landlords must conduct annual gas inspections on all gas appliances and flues they install within the property. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate and it must be completed by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer after each inspection.
It's also recommended for landlords to look into having the boiler service completed in conjunction with the CP12 inspection, since it will help ensure that all the gas appliances are working correctly and safely. Landlords can usually receive a combination CP12 and boiler service for a reasonable price from a qualified gas engineer who can check the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for leaks and cracks, clean the heat exchanger and burner and perform general maintenance.
The CP12 is often referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate" however it's actually known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It contains the results of the safety inspections, and specifics about any issues or actions that must be taken care of. Landlords are required to provide their tenants the CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It's important that the landlord or letting agent only permit Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises to conduct safety checks and for maintenance. It's important to educate tenants about the importance of allowing 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 reluctant to permit access it is the landlord's or letting agent's duty to explain the legal responsibilities in writing, and follow with a visit to the property to compel entry if needed.
Tenants should always ask to be shown a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to they allow them into the home to prove that they're qualified to work on your home's gas systems and is able to complete the gas safety test efficiently and effectively. You should also be aware that a gas engineer is able to legally remove faulty equipment or cut off your gas supply if needed.
