Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service

As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and chimneys are inspected annually. The law also requires that you provide a copy the check to your tenants.

If the engineer determines that any installation or appliance is immediate danger, they will request permission to cut off gas supply and recommend the installation of inspection hatches.

What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?

A gas safety certificate for landlords is a document that proves that the rented property's gas appliances and flues have been checked by a qualified gas engineer. The landlord must arrange for a gas check for each rental property they own at least once per year. The inspection is performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all of the pipework and appliances as well as flues are in good working condition and that they are in compliance with safety regulations.

Landlords are also legally required to provide their tenants with copies of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) after each annual gas safety inspection and test. This must be given to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to any new tenants at the beginning of their lease.

CP12 is an abbreviation for the CORGI Proforma 12 which was employed by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) before being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. The form outlines the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, their results, any actions required to be taken, as well as the name and the title of the engineer who performed the inspection.

The engineer will provide advice if the gas certificate Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be corrected in order to ensure it is safe to use. If an appliance is deemed to be Immediately Dangerous or Abnormally Lethal, the gas supply must be disconnected until the issue has been fixed.

If a tenant refuses to allow access for gas safety checks to be completed it is an infraction that is punishable by law. If necessary, a landlord can ask the courts for an order to stop the tenant from preventing gas safety checks. However, it is usually easier to write a letter that describes why the check is vital and what is required. This should entice a tenant who is reluctant to allow access to the property. If not the landlord has to begin the eviction process.

How often should I renew my Gas Safety Certificate?

The landlords and letting agencies are required by law to carry out an annual safety check on all flues and gas appliances that they provide to tenants. This is done to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and that there are no gas leaks in the building. Gas inspections are a crucial responsibility for landlords, and they must ensure that they are carried out by a qualified engineer.

The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is an official document that proves that the gas inspection was performed by a licensed engineer in the last 12 months. It is issued to the landlord, and should be handed over to the tenant to prove the security of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and must be renewed annually.

A landlord who does not provide a Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. Gas Safety checks must be carried out by landlords on time. They should also keep a copy of the certificate in the event that tenants request it.

It is also an excellent idea for landlords to set up inspection hatches on all gas appliances to allow engineers to easily access them for inspections every year. The engineer will classify the appliance as being at-risk and may suggest that the tenant refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch is installed.

Landlords are also required to give their tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This will allow tenants to prepare for the visit and give permission if needed. If a tenant refuses the engineer's entry, the landlord must explain the reason for this and what is a landlord gas safety certificate would happen in the event that the tenant refuses. If the tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord could consider evicting the tenant under section 21 of 1988 Housing Act.

What is the consequence if you don't possess a Gas Safety Certificate?

In essence, it's the landlord's legal responsibility to ensure their property has a valid gas safety certificate before tenants move in. Infractions to the law can lead to the landlord being prosecuted or fined severely. The regulations state that landlords must also provide copies of gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.

Landlords must have a Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to conduct a gas check 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. They will then issue an CP12 gas safety document, that is also known as the Landlord Gas Safety Record or a Gas Safety Certificate.

This is a crucial document that every tenant should keep. This document provides information on gas installations in a rental home and the dates they were tested and expiration dates. It can help tenants identify issues with their appliances or installations and make sure they know how contact the Gas Safe Engineer to have them checked.

Landlords must provide an inspection report on gas safety to their tenants, new and existing, within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. They must also provide a copy the CP12 to the tenant on the day their tenancy commences. Landlords who fail to provide a copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted under the rules and face unlimited fines or a six-month imprisonment.

The same way landlords must ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are in operation in their homes and have them tested every month. If the alarm is not working, the landlord gas safety certificates should repair it. The rules around this apply to private, council and housing association landlords, and also to licensable houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

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 based on the law that requires landlords who have assured shorthold tenancies to have an official gas safety certificate for their property prior to the time tenants move into it.

How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?

Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that gas appliances, flues and pipework in the properties they lease are safe. This is covered under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To comply with these regulations, landlords must organize annual gas inspections of all the gas appliances and flues that they provide for use within the property. This is called a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be completed by a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.

Landlords should also consider performing a boiler inspection at the same time as the CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are working properly and safely. Gas engineers can provide an integrated CP12 inspection and boiler service at a reasonable price. They will examine the seals on boiler burners, inspect for leaks and cracks within the flue system, clean the heat exchanger, and carry out general maintenance.

The CP12 document is commonly known as the 'landlord's gas safety certificate' but it is actually the Gas Safety Record documentation. It contains the results of the safety inspections, and specifics of any issues or actions that must be taken care of. Landlords must provide their tenants with a copy of the CP12 document within 28 days of the Gas Safety check being completed.

It is crucial that the landlord or letting agent only permit Gas Safe registered engineers to enter the premises to conduct safety inspections and maintenance. It's a good idea to inform tenants of the necessity of allowing access, and explaining that the gas engineer will protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to allow access it's the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility clarify the legal obligations in writing, and follow up with a visit to the property to force entry if needed.

Tenants should always see a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to they allow them into the home, as this will prove that they're competent to work on the gas systems in your home and is able to complete the gas safety inspection efficiently and efficiently. Be aware that a gas engineer is able to legally remove faulty equipment or cut off your gas supply should it be required.