Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - What You Need to Know
If you are a landlord, it is your obligation to provide your tenants with an official gas safety certificate. This should be done every year and prior to when any new tenants move in.
Only engineers who have been registered with Gas Safe can perform a CP12 inspection. You can check their credentials by looking at their Gas Safe ID card.
What is What is Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
Landlord gas safety certificates, also known as CP12 certificates, prove that the gas appliances of a landlord's and flues have been examined by a registered engineer and are safe to use. They are legal requirements for anyone who rents out property, and must be renewed each year in order to be in compliance with UK law.
During the inspection during the inspection, a Gas Safe engineer will check all of the property's gas appliances, pipework and flues for any signs of leaks or unsafe operation. The engineer will also look for carbon monoxide and make sure that there is enough ventilation. The average home inspection will take between 30 and an hour.
In the event of an issue, the engineer will inform you of the problem and recommend any required repairs to ensure your tenants' safety. If you do not complete the repair recommended, you will be denied a landlord's gas safety certificate.
A landlord gas safety certificate is vital to ensure the health and safety of your tenants. Without one, you could be facing massive fines and your tenants may be put at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide or other gas related issues. It's important to note that the cost of a CP12 certificate can vary among different providers It's an excellent idea to obtain multiple quotes for your property before making the decision.
No1PHD is your trusted service provider for Newport Pagnell. We have a national network of gas engineers, which means we can send an engineer to your property quickly and easily even if you need an immediate service. This is in stark contrast to sole-operator gas technicians who are often busy and unable to respond quickly to urgent requests.
Landlords are also legally required to keep a record of their gas safety and provide it to all tenants upon the conclusion of their annual gas safety check. This document will include a list of all the gas appliances and flues which have been tested, and a record of the date when it was completed.
Why do I need to obtain 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. gas safe Newport Pagnell includes making sure that they are regularly inspected and that you possess an approved landlord gas safety certificate. Failure to comply with this can result in substantial penalties or even criminal charges.
Every 12 months, it is recommended that you have a Gas Safe registered engineer perform an inspection of the gas safety of your landlord. This will ensure that your gas appliance and flues function well, are free from issues and safe for your tenants to use.
A valid gas safety certificate for your landlord is required to be handed out to your tenants following the annual service and displayed in the property. It should be given to tenants within 28 days of the annual service and to new tenants upon beginning their tenure.
If you own multiple properties, it is crucial to have each one inspected and displayed a Gas Safety Certificate. This will help keep track of the expiry dates for each certificate, and ensure that you renew them before they run out.
Landlords are also responsible for any sublet property they might have. While the landlord in charge retains the responsibilities which cannot be transferred to the person who is renting the property, they have to ensure that clear responsibilities are allocated in contractual arrangements.
A CP12 landlord gas safety certificate proves you have been able to have your gas appliances and flues tested and are in good functioning 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 do not allow access to the gas safety checks then you can write them a letter stating the importance of the inspections and the consequences of refusing access. You can also apply to the courts for an entry warrant.
It is also important to know that it is against the law for a tenant or landlord to restrict access to their property. This is outlined in section 39 of the 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 inside your property to obtain a landlord's gas safety certificate. The engineer will issue a CP12 certificate that confirms 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 tenants are aware of the importance of maintaining their appliances regularly, which includes regular checks of gas appliances and pipework. This is particularly crucial for older or poorly maintained appliances that are more prone to malfunction or break down. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to find out how often your appliances should be serviced.
If your property is vacant for a prolonged period, you should be sure to have it inspected for gas safety. This could create an opportunity for criminal activity or vandalism. After the inspection is completed, you will be issued with a new Gas Safety Record that will list all of the results. The report can be distributed to your tenants to give them peace of mind that the property is safe for occupation.
If your engineers find any problems with your gas appliances, they will request permission to shut off the supply. This is an essential step to avoid any risks to your tenants. It is crucial to adhere to the recommendations of your engineer as soon as you can, to ensure that you don't put anyone in danger.
Sometimes, it's difficult to gain entry to a property to perform a gas safety inspection. In such cases you will need to show that you have completed all'reasonable steps' to comply with your legal obligations, including writing to the tenant and stating that gas safety checks are a required necessity for their own security. gas safe Newport Pagnell can ask the engineer to visit at a later date, or in extreme cases, you may have to seek legal advice.
Can I obtain a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate for multiple properties?
As a landlord is legally required to have your gas appliances and flues examined every year. This will ensure that your tenants live in a safe and secure environment and that the appliances are operating safely. Landlords are also required to provide their tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of the date of the inspection and place it in a prominent spot within the property.
The law that governs landlord gas safety is updated regularly to reflect the latest technology and the way we use our homes. For example, the latest amendments to the Gas Safety Regulations allow landlords to renew their gas safety certificates up to two months before the date of expiration without losing any validity time. This decreases the risk of not complying and allows for better maintenance planning.
Only a registered Gas Safe Register engineer can issue an official landlord gas safety certificate. It is crucial to find an engineer that is reliable and able to complete a thorough inspection of your property and all gas appliances. After the inspection is complete they will issue you with a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 which proves that your home is in compliance with the relevant regulations.
It is worth persuading your tenant to let you access their property for the annual gas safety checks. You can send an email explaining the importance of the checks and what they will include. If they are still refusing, you can consider serving them with a Section 21 notice or applying to the courts for an injunction.
It is essential to renew your landlord's gas safety certificate prior to when the expiration date. In the event of non-compliance, it could result in severe fines, and your appliances could become unsafe for tenants to use.
It is important that you make sure to schedule your gas safety check in advance if you have multiple properties. This will help you avoid the stress of having chase your tenants for access and ensure that all of your properties have a valid Gas Safety Certificate.