How To Survive Your Boss With Gas Safety Certificate And Boiler Service
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
As a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances as well as chimneys and flues are inspected annually. The law also requires that you provide a copy the check to your tenants.
If the engineer determines that an appliance or installation as being immediately hazardous, they will ask permission to shut off the gas supply and recommend that inspection hatches be installed.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service is an official document that confirms that all gas appliances and flues within the rented property have been inspected by a qualified gas engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to arrange a gas safety check every year for each rental property they own. The inspection is conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer and makes sure that all pipes appliances, flues, and pipes are in good working condition and that they comply with the safety regulations.
The law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, (Gas Safety Record) after every annual inspection and test for gas safety. The certificate should be given to tenants in the 28 days of the Gas Safety inspection and given to any new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.
CP12 is an abbreviation used 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 shows the date of the last gas inspection or test as well as the results of these, any issues or actions that need to be addressed, as well as the name of the engineer who carried out the test.
The engineer will give advice if the Gas Safety Check reveals any issues with the gas appliance. This will include what needs to be corrected to make it safe to use. If a gas appliance is found to be immediate danger or Abnormally Lethal the gas supply will have to be shut off until the issue is resolved.
If gas safety certificate homeowner refuses to allow access for gas safety checks to be carried out the tenant is guilty of an offence that is criminal. A landlord may apply to the courts for an injunction order should it be necessary, but it is generally easier to send a clearly written letter that explains why it is essential that the checks are conducted and what they will involve. This will convince a tenant who is reluctant to allow access and, if not, the landlord may be required to begin the eviction process.
How often do I need to renew my Gas Safety Certificate?
By law, landlords and letting agents are required to conduct an annual gas safety inspection on all chimneys and gas appliances they offer to their tenants. This is to ensure that the equipment is safe for them to use and to ensure that there aren't gas leaks within the property. This is a vitally important responsibility and landlords should make sure that they get their gas inspections done by a qualified gas engineer.
The Gas Safety Certificate (formerly the Gas Safety Check Record) is legal document that confirms that an inspection of the gas supply has been completed by a qualified engineer in the last 12 months. It is given to the landlord and should be provided to the tenant as proof of the safety of the gas supply. It is valid for a time of 12 months, and must be renewed every year.
A landlord who does not provide an Gas Safety Certificate for their tenants could be fined. It is therefore vital for landlords to have their Gas Safety checks carried out on time and to keep a copy the documents in case a tenant needs it.
It is also a good idea for landlords to put inspection hatches on all gas appliances so that the engineers can easily access the hatches for annual inspections. The engineer will categorise the appliance as 'at-risk' and may suggest that the tenant refrain from using the boiler until the inspection hatch has been installed.
Landlords are also required to give tenants at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the property to conduct Gas Safety Checks. This gives tenants time to prepare and ask permission if needed. If a tenant is unwilling to allow the engineer entry, the landlord should send a letter to them explaining the reason for the visit and what will happen if they don't follow through. If the tenant continues to refuse the engineer entry, then the landlord must think about evicting them under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is the consequence if I don't have a Gas Safety Certificate?

It is the legal responsibility of a landlord to make sure that their property is fitted with a gas safety certificate valid before tenants move in. Infractions to this law could result in the landlord being charged or fined heavily. The regulations also stipulate that a landlord must provide an electronic copy of the gas safety report to their tenants on request.
Landlords must have a Gas Safe registered engineer visit their rental property to perform a gas check on all gas appliances. During the inspection, the engineer will note any issues that could present a danger for tenants. The engineer will issue the CP12 Gas Safety Document, also referred to as a Landlord Gas Safety Record (or a Gas Safety Certificate).
This is an important document that every tenant should keep. It contains information on the gas installations of a rented property, as well as details regarding when they last checked and the expiry dates. It can help tenants identify issues with their appliances and installations and make sure they are aware of how to contact an Gas Safe Engineer to have them tested.
Landlords must provide an inspection report on gas safety to their tenants, current and new within 28 days after the engineer has visited their property. The landlord must also provide an original copy of CP12 at the beginning of the tenure. Landlords who fail to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate could be prosecuted under the regulations and face unlimited fines or six months imprisonment.
Similarly, landlords must ensure that their properties are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms and can arrange that they be tested every month. If the alarm is not working, the landlord must make the necessary repairs. The rules for this apply to council, private, and housing association landlords as well as 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 a valid gas safety certification. The ruling was based on the law that requires landlords with assured shorthold tenancies to have a gas safety certificate for their property before tenants move into it.
How can I obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
Landlords are legally responsible to ensure that gas appliances, flues, and pipework in their properties are safe for tenants. This is covered by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. In order to comply with these regulations, landlords must arrange annual gas checks on all gas appliances and flues that they install in the property. This is called a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate and it must be completed by a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer after each inspection.
It is also an excellent idea for landlords to look into having an annual boiler service performed simultaneously with the CP12 inspection, since this will ensure that all the gas appliances are operating correctly and safely. Gas engineers can provide the combination CP12 inspection and boiler service for a reasonable price. They will check the seals on boiler burners as well as look for cracks and leaks in the flue system, clean the heat exchanger and carry out general maintenance.
The CP12 document is often referred to as the 'landlord gas safety certificate', however, it is officially referred to as the Gas Safety Record documentation. It outlines the outcomes of all safety inspections and the details of any actions or problems that need to be addressed. Landlords are required to provide their tenants the CP12 document not later than 28 days after the Gas Safety Check is completed.
It is crucial that landlords and letting agents only permit Gas Safe registered engineers access to the property for safety inspections and maintenance. It is essential to inform tenants on the importance of allowing gas engineers access to the property and explain that the engineer is there to keep them safe from carbon dioxide poisoning. If the tenant does not allow access the agent or landlord must state the legal requirements in writing. Then, they should visit the property and force entry if needed.
Tenants must always request to be shown a Gas Safe ID card from the engineer prior to they allow them into the home to prove that they are properly qualified to work on your home's gas systems and can be trusted to complete the gas safety check efficiently and effectively. You should also be aware that a gas engineer is able to legally disconnect the malfunctioning equipment or cut off your gas supply if needed.