A landlord's guide to gas safety
This guide will help landlords to understand the gas safety responsibilities expected of them to protect themselves and their tenants. Landlords have a duty of care to their tenants, which means that they are responsible for up-to-date safety checks on all gas appliances within the property.
What are a landlord’s responsibilities for gas safety?
In accordance with the Gas Safety Regulations 2018, landlords must:
- ensure any gas equipment they supply is safely installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- have a registered engineer perform an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue
- give tenants a copy of the gas safety check record before they move in, or within 28 days of the gas safety check
It is the responsibility of the landlord to make sure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys, and flues are safe and working efficiently at a property. If the property being let has gas appliances in it, there are three legal responsibilities:
- Completing gas safety checks
- Maintaining a Landlord Gas Safety Record
- Maintenance of all gas pipework, appliances, chimneys, and flues
What are the Gas Safety Regulations 2018?
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 updated the previous legislation, introduced in 1998. It is a code of practice for landlords to ensure that the gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues at rented properties are safe and working efficiently, and sets out their obligations as a landlord to conduct an annual gas safety check.
Gas safety checks for landlords
Who can do a gas safety check?
Only a gas engineer who is registered with the Gas Safe Register is able to conduct a gas safety check.
When should gas safety checks be carried out?
Gas safety checks must be done every 12 months.
What paperwork do landlords get after a safety check?
The gas safety certificate is the document that is issued to the landlord via the company who conducted the gas safety check. This includes the report that the landlord must give to their tenant either before the tenancy begins, or when the previous gas safety certificate expires.
Existing tenants should receive a copy of the gas safety certificate no more than 28 days after the gas safety check has been carried out.
What steps are undertaken during a gas safety check?
The engineer will make a visual check on the appliances, pipes, chimneys and flues, and conduct tests on the pipework to ensure there are no gas leaks.
How much does a landlord gas safety check cost?
The price of a gas safety certificate can start at around £35 and go up to around £150. There’s no fixed price, as the cost depends on the engineer or company you choose and how many appliances to assess. It’s best to get a selection of quotes to compare.
How long does a gas safety check take?
A gas safety engineer will normally complete a gas safety check in 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the house and the number of gas appliances.
What happens if a property fails a gas safety check?
If any appliances are regarded as unsafe by the gas engineer, they will be immediately disconnected from the gas supply, with the landlord’s permission. The landlord will be informed that repair work is necessary, or a new appliance is required. If the landlord refuses permission to have the appliance disconnected or the gas supply shut off, the gas engineer can report the incident to the Gas Emergency Service Provider (ESP).
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Gas safety certificates for landlords
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate (or record) is the document landlords and tenants receive after an annual gas safety check has been carried out. A check must happen every year. A gas safety certificate is also known as a CP12 certificate.
Do landlords need a gas safety certificate?
Yes. If you are a landlord renting out a property, a gas safety check is a legal obligation and landlords must have the inspections carried out by a gas safe registered engineer.
What must be included on a gas safety record form?
A gas safety record form must contain details about the appliances or flues that have been checked and a description of their location. The gas safety record should identify any safety defects with the appliances or flues, and the remedial action taken, and be signed and dated by the gas engineer who conducted the check. It will also include the engineer’s gas safety registration number, the address of the property and the name and address of the landlord (or their agent).
Can landlords get a replacement gas safety certificate?
Yes. If for any reason the landlord has misplaced their most recent gas safety certificate, they can ask the gas engineer who conducted the gas safety check to issue a replacement. There is a small charge for a replacement copy.
How to get a gas safety certificate for your rental property
Landlords (and tenants) can also search for their gas safety certificate on the Gas Safe Register website, and order a replacement copy.
Is a gas safety certificate the same as a gas boiler service?
No, a gas boiler service is different. A gas safety certificate checks that all the gas appliances, flues and pipework in a property are safe, whereas a boiler service just checks that the gas boiler is working safely, and is not a legal requirement.
Do landlord gas safety responsibilities differ in Scotland & Wales?
No, landlords have the same obligation to provide an annual gas safety record for properties in Scotland and Wales.
Are there different gas safety regulations for HMOs?
No, a House in Multiple Occupation must still have an annual gas safety certificate.
What is the penalty for having no gas safety certificate?
It is a criminal offence to not have a gas certificate. Landlords who do not have a valid gas safety certificate can be subject to a fine of up to £6,000 or even be sentenced to six months in prison. Terms of imprisonment may be longer if non-compliance has been the cause of an incident that has resulted in injury and/or death.
Do landlord gas safety responsibilities differ in Scotland & Wales?
No, landlords have the same obligation to provide an annual gas safety record for properties in Scotland and Wales.
What is the penalty for having no gas safety certificate?
No, a House in Multiple Occupation must still have an annual gas safety certificate.
What is the penalty for having no gas safety certificate?
It is a criminal offence to not have a gas certificate. Landlords who do not have a valid gas safety certificate can be subject to a fine of up to £6,000 or even be sentenced to six months in prison. Terms of imprisonment may be longer if non-compliance has been the cause of an incident that has resulted in injury and/or death.
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