Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
If you are a landlord then it's your obligation to provide your tenants with an official gas safety certificate. This should be done each year and prior to when any new tenants move into.
Only engineers who are registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can verify the credentials of engineers by looking at their Gas Safe ID cards.
What is what is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Landlord gas safety certificates, also known as CP12 certificates, confirm that the landlord's gas appliances and flues have been checked by an engineer who is registered and safe to use. These certificates are legally required for anyone renting a property and must be renewed every year to be in compliance with UK laws.
During the inspection, a Gas Safe engineer will inspect the gas appliances, pipes and flues, looking for leaks or unsafe operations. They will also test for carbon monoxide, and make sure there is adequate ventilation. The inspection typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour for a typical-sized home.
If there is an issue, the engineer will inform you of the issue and suggest any needed repairs to ensure your tenants' safety. If you do not complete the repair recommended you will be refused the landlord's gas safety certification.
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an essential part of protecting your tenants' health and wellbeing. You could be fined hefty amounts and your tenants could be at risk of getting carbon dioxide poisoning or other gas-related issues if do not have one. It is important to remember that CP12 certificates may differ in price between different companies. It is a wise idea to obtain several quotes before making a final decision.
If you're looking for an experienced service provider in Newport Pagnell, No1PHD is the company for you. We have a national network of gas engineers. This means that we can dispatch an expert to your property quickly, even if it is an 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 required to keep a record of their gas safety and provide it to tenants at the conclusion of their annual gas safety inspection. The 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 need a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances and flues that are in your property are safe for use. This includes ensuring that they are regularly inspected and that you have an appropriate gas safety certificate. In the absence of this, it could result in significant fines, or even criminal proceedings.
It is recommended that you get your landlord's gas safety inspection conducted by a licensed Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues are operating in good and in good condition, free of any issues and safe to use by your tenants.
After the annual service after the annual service, you must give a valid gas safety certificate to your tenants and display it on the property. It must be handed out to tenants within 28 days after the annual service and to new tenants at the time they start their tenancy.
If you are a landlord who has multiple properties, you should check them all and display the Gas Safety Certificate for each one. This will let you keep track of each certificate prior to when it expires.
Landlords are also responsible for any sublet accommodation they may have. The original landlord retains certain obligations that cannot be transferred to a person who is renting out the property. However, they must ensure that the responsibilities are clearly defined in the lease.
A CP12 landlord gas safety certificate proves you have been able to get your gas appliances and flues checked and are in good working order. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can conduct these tests, so be sure that the engineer you choose has a valid Gas Safe ID card.
If your tenants refuse access to the gas safety inspection then you can write them a letter stating the importance of the check and the consequences if they continue in preventing access. Alternately, you could apply to the courts for an entry warrant.
It is also important to note that it is against law for a tenant or landlord to forcibly enter their home. This is outlined in section 39 of Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations, 1998.
How do I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Gas Safe engineers will inspect the gas appliances and pipework within your home to get a landlord's gas safety certificate. The engineer will issue a CP12 certification that demonstrates the safety of your property's pipes and gas appliances. This is a legal requirement for all landlords regardless of whether you have one property or an entire portfolio of rental properties.
Landlords should also ensure that their tenants are aware of the importance of maintaining their appliances regularly, which includes annual checks on gas appliances and pipework. This is especially important for older or badly maintained appliances that are more prone to fail or malfunction. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the frequency at which your appliances need to be serviced.
If your property has been empty for a prolonged period it is recommended that you be sure to have it inspected for gas safety. This could be an opportunity for vandalism or criminal activity. Once the inspection is completed, you will be given a fresh Gas Safety Record that will detail all the results. landlord gas safety certificates Newport Pagnell can then be provided to your tenants in order to give them peace of mind knowing that the property is safe to be occupied.
Your engineers will ask permission to cut off your gas supply in the event of any issues with your appliances. This is an important step to avoid any dangers to your tenants. It is essential to follow the advice of your engineers as quickly as you can, to ensure that you don't put anyone in danger.
Sometimes, it's hard to gain entry into a home to conduct an inspection of gas safety. In such cases you'll need to prove you've completed all "reasonable steps" to comply with your legal obligations, such as writing to tenants and stating that gas checks are necessary to ensure their safety. You can also request the engineer to visit on another occasion or, in extreme situations, you may need to seek legal advice.
Can I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate if I have multiple properties?
As a landlord, you're required to test your flues and gas appliances each year. This is to ensure that they are operating in a safe manner and that your tenants are in the safety of their homes to reside. Landlords must also provide their tenants with an original copy of the gas safety report within 28 days after the date of the check and place it in a prominent place within the property.
The law governing gas safety for landlords is frequently updated to reflect new technology and the ways in which we use our homes. The most recent amendments to Gas Safety Regulations, for instance, provide landlords with the option to renew their certificates for up to two months before the deadline without losing their validity. This change reduces the risk of over-compliance and allows for better maintenance planning.
Only an accredited Gas Safe Register engineer can issue an official landlord gas safety certificate. It is important to find a reliable engineer who can complete a thorough 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 is in compliance with the relevant regulations.
If your tenant is unwilling to let you access their property for annual gas safety inspections, it is worthwhile trying to convince them to let you in gently. You can write them a letter explaining the importance of the checks and what they will be. 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.
It is important to renew your landlord's gas safety certification before the expiration date. Failure to do this could result in hefty fines and may render your appliances unsafe for your tenants to use.
If you are a landlord who has multiple properties, it is crucial to keep on track of when your gas safety checks are due to expire and book them in advance. This will save you the stress of having your tenants chase you for access, and ensure that all your properties have a valid Gas Safety Certificate.