Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances in their rental properties are safe.
This includes arranging for a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the requirements for GSCs and what landlords need to do to ensure they’re compliant with the law.
Overview About Gas Safety Certificates
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require that landlords must:
- Arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue on their property.
- Keep a landlord gas safety record checks carried out.
- Provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the check being carried out, or before they move in if they’re new tenants.
Who is a landlord?
A landlord is anyone who owns a rental property, whether they live in it or not. This includes:
- Private landlords
- Housing associations
- Councils
- Housing companies
What does a gas safety check involve?
A Gas Safety check includes:
- Checking that appliances are safe to use.
- Make sure there are no naked flames or other sources of ignition near flammable gas.
- Ensuring ventilation is adequate.
Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date they’re issued. After this, a new certificate must be needed.
How long does a gas safety check take?
A Gas Safety check usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. However, this can vary depending on the number of appliances and flues that need to be checked.
Gas safety certificate requirements & responsibilities for landlords
#1 Annual gas safety check
Landlords must have an annual gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months.
This applies to all gas appliances and flues in the property, including those in communal areas.
#2 Record
Landlords must keep a Gas Safety check record that has been carried out.
This should include:
- The name, Gas Safe Register number, and signature of the engineer who carried out the check.
- The date on which the check was carried out.
- The address of the property where the check was carried out.
- The type of gas appliance or flue that was checked.
- The Gas Safe Certificate number.
The record must be kept for at least 24 months and made available to tenants on request.
Landlords can use the Gas Safety Record form (PDF) to help them keep track of Gas Safety checks.
#3 Maintenance
Gas appliances and flues must be maintained in a safe condition.
If any faults are found, they should be repaired by a Gas Safe engineer registered as soon as possible.
Gas pipework check recommendation
Gas Safe registered engineers will usually check the gas pipework as part of a Gas Safety check.
However, landlords are gas safety advice to have the gas pipework checked every five years by a Gas Safe Register engineer. This is to make sure it’s still in good condition and safe to use.
How much does a Landlord Gas Safety check cost?
The cost of a Gas Safety check will vary depending on the number of appliances and flues that need to be checked.
It’s important to remember that Gas Safety checks are an essential part of being a landlord and should not be seen as an optional extra.
What happens if my property fails its gas safety check?
Immediately Dangerous (ID) –
An appliance or flue is found to be unsafe and needs to be disconnected from the gas supply.
At Risk (AR) –
An appliance or flue is not working safely and needs to be repaired.
Not to Current Standards (NCS) –
An appliance or flue does not meet current Gas Safety standards and needs to be replaced.
How often do I need a gas safety inspection?
A gas safety inspection must be carried out at least once a year. However, it’s recommended that you have one every six months to ensure that your appliances and pipework are in good condition.
Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date they’re issued. After this, a new certificate must be needed.
When do I provide my tenant with a copy of the gas safety certificate?
You must provide your tenant with a copy of the gas safety certificate before they move into the property.
You should also give them a copy of the safety check record form (PDF) so that they can keep track of Gas Safety checks.
What are the penalties for not having a gas safety inspection and gas safety certificate?
If you don’t have a Gas Safety inspection and Gas Safety certificate, you could be fined up to £5000. You may also be liable for any damages caused by Gas appliances or flues on your property.
How do gas safety records affect Section 21 notices?
From April 2018, all landlord gas safety who want to evict their tenants using a Section 21 notice must have a Gas Safety certificate.
This applies to both new and renewing tenancies.
If you don’t have a Gas Safety certificate, you won’t be able to serve a valid Section 21 notice and will have to go through the court process to evict your tenant.
So to get the gas safety certificate asap you can make a call to us right now!
What if the gas appliances belong to the tenant?
If the gas appliances belong to the tenant, it’s their landlord’s (gas safety) responsibilities to make sure they’re safe.
However, you should still provide them with a Gas Safety Record form (PDF) so that they can keep track of Gas Safety checks.
You should also check that the tenant has insurance that covers them for any damage caused by Gas appliances or flues.
What are the gas safety regulations for HMOs?
The gas safety regulations for HMOs are the same as for any other type of property.
However, there are additional requirements for landlord gas safety of HMOs with three or more stories.
Landlords of HMOs with three or more stories must have a Gas Safety check carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe register engineer.
They must also have an up-to-date Gas Safety Record which must be made available to tenants upon request.
Failure to comply with the gas safety regulation for HMOs can result in a fine of up to £5000.
FAQs:
#1 is a gas safety certificate mandatory
Yes, if you’re a landlord with gas appliances in your rental property, you’re required by law to have a Gas Safety Certificate.
#2 how often do I need a gas safety certificate?
Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date they’re issued. After this, a new certificate must be needed.
#3 do I need a gas safety certificate?
Yes, if you’re a landlord with gas appliances in your rental property, you’re required by law to have a Gas Safety Certificate.
#4 no gas safety certificate penalty
The penalties for not having a Gas Safety Certificate can be up to £5000.
So make sure you have a gas safety certificate and if you’re looking for a good price & experienced person to get it then you can Contact Us now!
We’re here to help you.
#5 gas safety certificate grace period
There is no grace period. Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date they’re issued. After this, a new certificate must be needed.
