The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Gas Safety Certificate And Boiler Service Industry
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances, flues, and chimneys are inspected annually. The law also requires that you give a copy of the check to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that an device or installation to be immediately hazardous, they will ask permission to shut off the gas supply and suggest that inspection hatches be put in place.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A landlord's gas safety certificate is an official document that proves that all gas appliances and flues in the property that is rented have been inspected 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 conducted by an Gas Safe registered engineer and checks to ensure that all 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 give their tenants copies of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate (Gas Safety Record) following each annual gas safety inspection and test. The certificate should be given to current tenants within 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to new tenants at the start of their tenure.
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 includes the date of the most recent gas inspections and tests, their results, any steps that must be taken, and the name and title of the engineer that conducted the inspection.
If the Gas Safety check highlights any problems with a gas appliance, the engineer will advise on what should be done to make it safe for use. If an appliance is deemed immediately dangerous or abnormally dangerous the gas supply should be turned off until the issue is resolved.
It is illegal to a tenant who refuses to allow the gas safety check to be carried out. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction if necessary, however it is generally easier to simply send a strongly worded letter explaining the reasons why it is crucial that the checks are conducted and what they will entail. This should encourage a reluctant tenant to give access, and in the event that they do otherwise, the landlord could be required to begin the eviction process.
How often should I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords and letting agents are legally required to conduct an annual gas safety check on all gas appliances and flues that are supplied to their tenants. This is to ensure that their equipment is safe to use and there are no gas leaks within the property. Gas inspections are a vital obligation for landlords and they must ensure that they are conducted by a qualified engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is a legal document that confirms that an inspection of the gas supply has been performed by a licensed engineer within the past 12 months. It is issued to the landlord and should be given to the tenant as proof of the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months and has to be renewed each year.
A landlord who does not provide the Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be penalized. Gas Safety checks must be completed by landlords in time. They should also keep a copy of the certificate in case tenants request it.
It's also a good idea for landlords to install inspection hatches on all gas appliances so that engineers can easily access the hatches for annual inspections. If the appliance is found to be 'at risk' during an inspection, the engineer will formally classify it as such and may disconnect the boiler and advise that the tenant not use it until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords should also make sure that they give tenants at least 24 hours notice prior to the time they enter the property to perform Gas Safety checks. This allows tenants to prepare and request permission if needed. If a tenant refuses to allow the engineer access the landlord should send a letter to them explaining why it is necessary and what happens if they don't comply. If the tenant refuses to allow the engineer entry, the landlord may consider evicting the tenant under section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence, it is the landlord's legal obligation to ensure that their home has a valid gas safety certification before tenants move into the property. Failure to adhere to this law can result in a landlord being prosecuted or fined severely. The regulations state that landlords are required to provide copies of the gas safety certificates to their tenants upon request.
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 take note of any issues that could cause a threat to tenants. The engineer will issue a CP12 Gas Safety Document, also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).

This is a crucial document that every tenant should keep. It contains information about the gas appliances in a rented property, as well as details regarding when they last checked and the expiry dates. It can assist tenants in identifying problems with appliances or installations and ensure that they know how contact the Gas Safe Engineer to have them tested.
Landlords are required to provide their current and new tenants with a gas safety report within 28 days of the engineer's visit to their property. The landlord must also provide a copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate can be prosecuted in accordance with the regulations and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
In the same way, landlords must make sure that their properties have working carbon monoxide alarms. They should also arrange that they be tested every month. If the alarm is not functioning, the landlord has to make the necessary repairs. This is the case for councils, private landlords, and housing associations, as well as licensable Houses of Multiple Occupation.
In June 2017 In June 2017, the High Court ruled that it was unlawful for landlords to serve Section 21 notices without providing their tenants with a valid gas Safety Certificate. The decision was based on a law that requires landlords with assured shorthold tenancies to obtain a gas safety certificate for their property prior to when tenants move into it.
How do I get a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords have a legal responsibility to make sure that the gas appliances, flues and pipework within their properties are safe for tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 regulate this. To be in compliance with the regulations, landlords are required to arrange annual gas checks on all gas appliances and flues that they install within the property. This is known as a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and must be signed by a licensed Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
Landlords should consider performing a boiler inspection in conjunction with the CP12 inspection. This will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly and safely. Gas engineers can provide a combined CP12 inspection and boiler service for a reasonable price. They will check the seals on boiler burners as well as look for leaks and cracks in the flue system and clean the heat exchanger and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often called the 'landlord's gas safety certificate', however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. how often gas safety certificate includes the results of the safety inspections, and specifics about any issues or actions that must be addressed. Landlords must provide their tenants a CP12 document within 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is crucial that landlords and letting agents allow Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property to conduct safety inspections and for maintenance. It is a good idea to inform tenants about the importance of allowing access and explain that the gas engineer will protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tenant is unwilling to let access in it is the landlord's or letting agent's responsibility to clarify the legal obligations in writing and then follow by visiting the property to force entry if needed.
Tenants must always request to have a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to letting them in to prove that they're qualified to work on your home's gas systems and can be trusted to complete the gas safety test efficiently and effectively. You should also be aware that a gas engineer can legally remove faulty equipment or cut off your gas supply should it be required.