Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service<br /><br />As a landlord, it's your responsibility to make sure that all gas appliances, flues, and chimneys undergo annual inspections. You must also provide a copy to your tenants.<br /><br />If the engineer believes that any installation or appliance is immediate danger, they will request permission to disconnect the supply of gas and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.<br /><br />What is a Gas Safety Certificate?<br /><br />A gas safety certificate for landlords is a document that demonstrates that all of the gas appliances and flues have been checked by a licensed gas engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to arrange a gas safety check annually 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 standards.<br /><br />Landlords are also legally required to give their tenants an original copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) at the end of each year's gas safety inspection and test. This should be given to tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety Inspection and to new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.<br /><br />CP12 is the abbreviation of the CORGI Proforma 12 that was used by CORGI before it was replaced in 2009 by the Gas Safe Register. The form shows the date of the last gas inspection and tests, the results of these tests, any actions or issues that require to be addressed, as well as the name of the engineer who carried out the check.<br /><br />If the Gas Safety check highlights any issues with a gas appliance, the engineer will advise on what must be done to ensure it is safe for use. If an appliance is deemed to be Immediately Dangerous or Abnormally Lethal, the gas supply will have to be turned off until the problem is resolved.<br /><br />It is illegal for a tenant to refuse to let the gas safety check to be conducted. If needed, a landlord can ask the courts for a court order to enjoin the tenant from preventing the gas safety checks. However, it's usually easier to send a letter that describes why the check is essential and what will be involved. <a href="https://mckee-lewis.federatedjournals.com/the-history-of-gas-safety-certificate-how-often-1731688401">what is a landlord gas safety certificate</a> should encourage a reluctant tenant to let access in, and in the event that they do not, the landlord might have to think about starting the eviction process.<br /><br />How often should I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?<br /><br />Landlords and letting agents are required by law to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all flues and gas appliances that they supply to their tenants. This is done to ensure that the equipment is safe for them to use and that there are no gas leaks in the property. This is an essential responsibility for landlords and they should ensure that they get their gas inspections done by a licensed gas engineer.<br /><br />The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that the gas inspection was completed by a qualified engineer within the last 12 months. It is issued to the landlord, and should be handed over to the tenant to prove the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for a period of 12 months and has to be renewed each year.<br /><br />A landlord who fails to provide a Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be fined. It is therefore essential for landlords to have their Gas Safety checks carried out on time and to keep a copy of the documentation in the event that a tenant asks for it.<br /><br />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 refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.<br /><br />Landlords must also ensure that they give their tenants a minimum of 24 hours notice before they are allowed to enter the property to conduct Gas Safety checks. This gives tenants time to prepare and request permission if needed. If a tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord should write to them explaining why it is necessary and what happens if they don't follow through. If the tenant still refuses, then the landlord should look into evicting them pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.<br /><br />What happens if I don't get a Gas Safety Certificate?<br /><br />In short, it's a landlord's legal duty to ensure their property has an approved gas safety certificate prior to the time tenants move into. Failure to adhere to the law can lead to the landlord being prosecuted or being fined a significant amount. The regulations state that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.<br /><br />Landlords must have an Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to perform an inspection of all gas appliances. During the inspection, the engineer will note any issues that could 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).<br /><br />This is an important piece of documentation that all tenants should get a hold of and keep. It contains information on the gas appliances in a rented property, as well as details on when they were last checked and the expiry dates. It can help tenants identify issues with their appliances or installations and make sure they know how contact an Gas Safe Engineer to have them checked.<br /><br />Landlords are required to provide their current and new tenants with a gas safety check report within 28 days of the engineer visiting their property. The landlord is also required to provide an original copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate may be prosecuted under the rules and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.<br /><br />In the same way, landlords must make sure that their properties have working carbon monoxide alarms and can arrange that they be tested every month. If the alarm is not functioning, the landlord has to make the necessary repairs. This applies to councils, private landlords, and housing associations, and also licensable houses of Multiple Occupation.<br /><br />In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was unlawful for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with an official gas Safety Certificate. The decision was by reference to the law which states that landlords with assured shorthold leases must have a record of their gas safety for their property prior to the time tenants move into.<br /><br />How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?<br /><br />Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that the gas appliances, flues and pipework in their homes are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with this. To comply with the regulations, landlords are required to conduct annual gas checks of all gas appliances and flues that they install for use in the property. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be completed by a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.<br /><br />Landlords should also consider having a boiler inspection done simultaneously with the CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Gas engineers can provide an integrated CP12 inspection and boiler service at a reasonable price. They will check the seals of boiler burners, inspect for leaks and cracks in the flue system, clean the heat exchanger, and carry out general maintenance.<br /><br /><br /><br />The CP12 is often referred to by the term "landlord's gas safety certificate", although it is actually known as the Gas Safety Record Documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all the safety checks and details of any actions or issues that need to be addressed. Landlords are required to give their tenants the CP12 document no later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.<br /><br />It is essential that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea inform tenants of the importance of allowing access and explaining that the gas engineer is there to help keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant refuses to allow access, the landlord or agent must state the legal requirements in writing. They should then visit the property and force entry if necessary.<br /><br />Tenants should always ask to see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer before they allow them into the home to prove that they are properly qualified to work on your home's gas systems and is able to complete the gas safety inspection efficiently and efficiently. You should also be aware that a gas engineer is able to legally remove defective equipment or shut off your gas supply should it be required.<br /><br />