Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, chimneys and flues are inspected annually. It is also your responsibility to provide a copy to your tenants.
If the engineer considers that any appliance or installation is immediate danger, they will request permission to shut off gas supply and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.
What is the definition of a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that certifies that all gas appliances and flues within the rented property have been checked by an experienced gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for the gas check for each rental property they own at least once a year. The inspection is performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all pipework, appliances, and flues are in good working order and that they comply with the safety regulations.
Landlords are also legally required to give their tenants copies of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) at the end of each year's gas safety inspection and test. The certificate should be given to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to any new tenants at the start of their lease.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for the CORGI Proforma 12 that was employed by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form identifies the date of the last gas inspection and tests, the results of these tests, any actions or issues that require to be addressed, and the name of the person who conducted the inspection.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any issues with a gas appliance the engineer will provide advice on what must be done to make it safe for use. If an appliance is deemed to be immediate danger or abnormally lethal, the gas supply will need to be shut off until the issue has been solved.
It is illegal to a tenant who refuses to allow the gas safety inspection to be carried out. If necessary, a landlord can ask the courts for a court order to prohibit the tenant from refusing to allow gas safety inspections. However, it's more common to write a letter that explains why the checks are vital and what is involved. This can encourage a reluctant tenant to allow access and, in the event that they do not, the landlord might be required to begin the process of eviction.
How often should I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
The landlords and letting agencies are required by law to carry out an annual safety check on all gas appliances and flues that they supply to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe for use and that there aren't any gas leaks within the property. This is a vitally important obligation and landlords must make sure that they are inspected for gas by a certified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate, formerly known as the Gas Safety Check Record, is a legal document that indicates that an engineer completed a gas check within the last 12 months. It is issued by the landlord and must be presented to the tenant in order to demonstrate the safety of gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months, and must be renewed annually.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate then they are in violation of the law and could be punished by the local authority. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should keep a copy in case tenants ask for it.
It is also a good idea for landlords to put inspection hatches on all gas appliances, so that the engineers can easily access the hatches for annual inspections. If the appliance is deemed to be 'at risk' during an inspection the engineer will categorise it as such and may disconnect the boiler and advise that the tenant refrain from using it until the inspection hatch is installed.
Landlords are also required to give tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to prepare for the visit and provide permission, if required. If a tenant does not allow the engineer entry the landlord must inform them why it is necessary and what will happen if they don't comply. If the tenant continues to refuse then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is the consequence if you don't possess a Gas Safety Certificate?
It is the legal obligation of landlords to ensure that their property is fitted with a gas safety certificate valid before tenants move in. Failing to do so is an offense that could cause landlords to be charged and liable to heavy fines. The regulations also state that landlords must provide an electronic copy of the gas safety certificate to their tenants upon request.
Gas Safe registered engineers must visit the rental property of the landlord to conduct a gas inspection on all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to identify any issues that could pose a danger to tenants. The engineer will then issue an CP12 Gas Safety Document, which is also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is an important piece of documentation that every tenant must get a hold of and keep. The document contains information about gas installations in rental properties as well as the date they were tested and their expiration dates. It can help tenants identify any issues with their installation or appliances and make sure that they know how to contact a Gas Safe engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide their tenants, both new and existing, with a gas safety check report within 28 days of the date that the engineer visits their property. The landlord must also give a copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords who do not provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate may be prosecuted under the regulations and may be subject to unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
Similarly, landlords must ensure that their properties are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms and can arrange that they be tested every month. If the alarm is not working, the landlord should make the necessary repairs. This is applicable to councils, private landlords, and housing associations, and also licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was illegal for landlords to send Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with an official gas Safety Certificate. The decision was based upon a law that requires landlords who have assured shorthold tenancies to obtain a gas safety certificate for their property prior to the time tenants move into it.
How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords have a legal responsibility to make sure that the gas appliances, flues and pipework within their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 cover this. To be in compliance with the regulations, landlords are required to conduct annual gas inspections on all the gas appliances and flues that they provide for use in the building. This is called a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, and it has to be completed by a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
It is also a good idea for landlords to consider having the boiler service completed in conjunction with the CP12 inspection, since this will ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Landlords can usually receive a combination CP12 and boiler service for a reasonable price from a qualified gas engineer. They will be able to examine the seals on boiler burners. They will also inspect the flue system for leaks and cracks cleaning the burner and heat exchanger and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often referred to as the 'landlord gas safety certificate', although it is officially called the Gas Safety Record documentation. It contains the results of safety checks, as well as details of any problems or actions that need to be taken care of. Landlords must provide their tenants a CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is essential that the landlords or letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers to access the property to conduct safety checks and for maintenance. It is a good idea to inform tenants about the necessity of allowing access, and explaining that the gas engineer is there to help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant does not permit access the agent or landlord must explain the legal obligations in writing. Then, they should visit the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants must always request to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before entering the premises to ensure that they're competent to work on your home's gas systems and is able to complete the gas safety check efficiently and effectively. It's also worth bearing in mind that the gas engineer is legally able to shut off any malfunctioning equipment and can cut off your gas supplies in the event of a need.