The Often Unknown Benefits Of What Is A Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a property owner, it's important to understand your obligations when it comes to the gas safety of your property. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, 1998 are required for landlords.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be inspected each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must also give the gas safety record to each tenant.
What is a gas safety certificate for landlords?
Gas Safe registered engineers issue an official gas safety certificate for landlords to the property owner following a safety inspection. The document should include all information about the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been tested for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the items are in good working order and to give copies of the completed form to their tenants.
The law requires that all landlords have their property checked and receive an updated gas safety certificate every 12 months. The regulations require landlords to schedule their inspections at least one month prior to expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any coverage lapse and provides the best possible protection for their tenants.
In order to obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. This engineer will carry out a full inspection of all gas appliances and installation pipework in the property. In addition the engineer will test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are deemed to be hazardous, the engineer will advise you on the correct work needed in order to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certificate.
If a tenant is refusing to allow access for the inspection, the landlord may attempt to persuade them to allow the inspection by sending a strongly worded letter that explains why they should have the checks done and what happens in the event they refuse to allow them access. If this doesn't work, the landlord can then look into initiating the eviction process by sending them the Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of your completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being carried out. It should be handed out to all tenants, including any new tenants prior to when they move into your property. It is also necessary to keep the original record for two years.
What is a gas safety certificate for tenants?
Generally speaking, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances that are in their property are regularly tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and the cost could range from PS60-PS120 depending on what's included in the check. The engineer will issue an CP12 to the landlord after the inspection. This document must be given to the tenants in four weeks after the test is completed. The document is an official record of the tests and should be kept by the landlord for two years from the date of the first inspection, however it is advised to keep them online to reduce paper waste.
The landlords must also ensure that they have access to the property to perform the annual gas safety and service inspections. If a tenant refuses to allow access, the law says that the landlord must take all 'reasonable steps' to carry out the check. This could include writing to them, asking them to contact the engineer directly, and then reiterating requests for entry. You may also contact the local council, who may be able to send an official to explain why it is essential to allow access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant still refuses to allow access the landlord should think about initiating the process of eviction. While this should be a last resort, it is a legal right for the landlord to evict a tenant that refuses to cooperate with essential security checks. Landlords should seek legal advice prior taking this step as it may be difficult.

The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes and flues, appliances and other equipment that they own and offer for use by the tenants. This is true even if a landlord sublets the property to an outside party. However the landlord who was the original tenant, and any other person who is obligated by contract, must work together to ensure the statutory requirements are met.
It is essential to determine whether a landlord has employed an agent to manage their rental properties. They should also inquire who is responsible for scheduling gas safety tests. Certain agents will be able to take on this responsibility, but you should consult with the agency to ensure that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-let?
When a landlord rents their property, they must make sure that it is safe for those living there. A gas safety certificate is proof that all the gas appliances and flues within the property have been tested and deemed safe by an experienced gas engineer. It's the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that they get their gas safety checks done each year and that copies are handed over to the tenants who reside there. The checks must be conducted by an accredited Gas Safe engineer, and the CP12 form should contain their ID number and date of issue.
It is also legal for the landlord to give tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any inspections being completed. In the same way, they must provide new tenants a copy of the CP12 form before they move into the property.
There are some exceptions to this rule but only when the property is used for short-term lets like student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract in order to avoid legal issues in the future.
If a landlord discovers that their flues or appliances are not in compliance with safety standards during an inspection, he should make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This may require the disconnection and reconnecting of the gas supply. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by looking at their identification card prior to carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions discussed above, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords and landlords are extremely strict and must be followed. If the landlord is found to be in violation of the regulations they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even jail sentences.
If you're a landlord and want to arrange for a gas safety check, Total Landlord can help. Gas Safe engineers can visit your home to conduct a full check and provide you with an CP12 certificate. Our prices are affordable and we offer a same day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our website today for more information.
What is an annual gas safety check?
Legally, you are obliged to conduct an annual gas safety check each year if you lease out the entirety or a portion of your home. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, such as pipework, flues, and fixtures and fittings that use or exhaust gases.
A trained Gas Safe engineer will inspect your home and ensure that everything is up-to-date and safe. They will test all the gas appliances and flues, and check for signs of leaking or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is turned on and that the gas meter is filled up.
It's a good idea to give your tenants an original copy of the gas safety report after the inspection and check was carried out. It should be handed out to tenants who have been in the property for a period of 28 days and to new tenants before moving in. You should keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents you employ.
Landlords are accountable for arranging and paying for gas safety tests and certificates for their properties. If MK Gas Safety refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain access. You could write a letter explaining the reason you have to gain access to the property and the security inspections that are required. If the tenant is unwilling to allow you access then you might be considering the possibility of a Section 21 eviction.
Your annual gas safety inspection is included in your Hometree landlord insurance policy. You don't need to worry about arranging it separately, or when you will need to do it. You can also be confident that we're there for you in the event that you have to renew your insurance or change any information.
For more information on our landlord insurance packages, please visit the Hometree website. You can also sign up for a free estimate to learn more about what's included and how much you'll pay. Our guarantee of no price hikes means that you will not pay more for your annual premium than the inflation rate for the first year.