10 Things We Hate About Gas Safety Certificate And Boiler Service

Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances chimneys, flues and chimneys are inspected every year. The law also requires that you provide a copy the check to your tenants.

If the engineer considers that a particular appliance or installation is imminently dangerous, they will request permission to cut off the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.

What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?

A landlord gas safety certificate is a document that proves that the gas appliances in the rental property and flues have been checked by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for an annual gas inspection for each rental property they own at least once a year. Gas Safe registered engineers carry the inspection and ensure that all pipes, appliances and flues conform with safety regulations.

The law also requires landlords to give tenants a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) at the time of every annual inspection and test for gas safety. This must 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 an abbreviation used for the CORGI Proforma 12 which was used by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before it was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form shows the date of the last gas inspection and test as well as the results of these, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, as well as the name of the person who performed the test.

If the Gas Safety check highlights any issues with a gas appliance the engineer will provide advice on what needs to be done to make it safe for use. If a gas appliance is found to be dangerous immediately or abnormally lethal the gas supply should be disconnected until the problem has been resolved.

If a tenant does not allow access for the gas safety checks to be completed it is an offence that is criminal. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction should it be necessary, but it is generally more efficient to simply send a strongly written letter stating the reasons why it is crucial that the checks are conducted and what they'll involve. This can encourage a reluctant tenant to give access, and in the event that they do otherwise, the landlord could need to consider starting the eviction process.

How often do I need to renew my Gas Safety Certificate?

The law requires that landlords and let agents are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection of the chimneys and gas appliances that they provide to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe to use and that there aren't gas leaks in the property. Gas inspections are a crucial responsibility for landlords, and they must ensure they are completed by a licensed engineer.

The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that a gas inspection has been performed by a licensed engineer 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 time of 12 months and must be renewed annually.

A landlord who fails to provide the Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. It is therefore essential for landlords to ensure that their Gas Safety checks carried out on time and to keep a copy of the certificate in case a tenant requests it.

Installing inspection hatches on all gas appliances is a good idea, as it allows engineers to gain access to the appliances to conduct annual inspections. The engineer will label the appliance as 'at-risk' and may recommend that tenants stop using the boiler until the inspection hatch is installed.

Landlords must also ensure that they give their tenants at least 24 hours notice before they are allowed to enter the property to conduct Gas Safety checks. This allows the tenants to prepare for the visit and provide permission, if required. If a tenant does not allow the engineer entry, the landlord should inform them the reason for the visit and what will happen in the event that they do not comply. If the tenant still refuses, then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.

What happens if I don't receive a Gas Safety Certificate?

It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to ensure that their property is equipped with a gas safety certificate valid before tenants move into. Failure to comply with this law can result in the landlord being prosecuted or being fined a significant amount.  gas safety certificate how often  require that landlords are required to provide copies of gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.

Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to conduct an inspection of the gas supply to all gas appliances. During the inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will identify any issues that could be a threat to tenants. They will issue the CP12 gas safety certificate, which is also known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.

This is a vital piece of documentation that every tenant should get a hold of and keep. It includes information about the gas appliances in the rental property and also details regarding when they last tested and when they expire. It will help tenants recognize any issues with their appliances or installations and ensure that they know how to contact an Gas Safe engineer to have them examined.

Landlords are required to provide their tenants, both new and existing, with a gas safety inspection report within 28 days of the engineer's visit to their property. They must also provide a copy the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy commences. Landlords who fail to provide the copy of the gas certificate could be prosecuted and could face unlimited fines or six months in prison.

Additionally, landlords should ensure that their properties have working carbon monoxide alarms. They should also arrange for them to be tested each month. The landlord is responsible for repairing any alarm that doesn't work. The rules governing this apply to council, private, and housing association landlords and also to licensable Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

In June 2017 in June 2017, the High Court decided that it was illegal for landlords to issue Section 21 notices if they did not provide their tenants with an official gas safety certificate. The decision was made based on the law that states that landlords of assured shorthold leases must have an approved gas safety certificate for their property prior to the time tenants move into.

How do I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?

Landlords have a legal responsibility to make sure that the gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with this. To be in compliance with the regulations, landlords are required to organize annual gas inspections of all the gas appliances and flues that they provide for use in the building. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and it must be signed by a licensed Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.

Landlords should consider conducting a boiler inspection at the same time as an CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Landlords are usually able to obtain a combined CP12 and boiler service for an affordable cost from a qualified gas engineer, who will be able to check the seals on boiler burners, check 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' however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all safety checks and details of any actions or problems that need to be addressed. Landlords must provide their tenants with a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.

It is essential that landlords and letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property for safety inspections and maintenance. It's important to educate tenants on the importance of permitting gas engineers access to the property. They should explain that the engineer's job is to safeguard them from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant refuses to permit access, the landlord or agent must explain the legal obligations in writing. They should then go to the property and force entry if necessary.

Tenants should always ask to see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before entering the premises, as this will prove that they are properly qualified to work on the gas systems in your home and are able to complete the gas safety test efficiently and effectively. It is also important to keep in mind that the gas engineer is legally permitted to shut off any malfunctioning equipment and can shut off gas lines if necessary.