Gas Safety Certificate – What are the Landlords Obligations

Since 1998 and the introduction of Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances in their rental properties are safe which is confirmed through a gas safety certificate.Β 

This includes arranging for a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.Β Let’s look at the requirements for GSCs and what landlords need to do to ensure compliance with the law.

Overview of Gas Safety Certificates:

TheΒ Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998Β 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 record of gas safety 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 the landlord?

A landlord is anyone who owns a rental property, whether they live in it or not. This includes private landlords, housing associations, councils, and housing companies.

What does a gas safety check involve?

A gas safety check includes:

– Checking that appliances are safe to use.

– Ensuring there are no naked flames or other sources of ignition near flammable gas.

– Ensuring adequate ventilation.

– Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date they’re issued. After this, a new certificate must be obtained.

How long does a gas safety check take?

A gas safety check usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, 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, including in communal areas.

2. Record:

Landlords must keep a record of gas safety checks carried out. This should include the engineer’s name, Gas Safe Register number, signature, date of the check, property address, type of gas appliance or flue checked, and Gas Safe Certificate number. The record must be kept for at least 24 months and made available to tenants on request.

3. Maintenance:

Gas appliances and flues must be maintained in a safe condition. Any faults should be repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible.

Gas pipework check recommendation:

Gas Safe registered engineers usually check the gas pipework as part of a Gas Safety check. Landlords are advised to have the gas pipework checked every five years by a Gas Safe Register engineer to ensure it’s still in good condition and safe to use.

Consequences of a failed 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.

Frequency of gas safety inspections:

A gas safety inspection must be carried out at least once a year, but it’s recommended to have one every six months to ensure the 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 is required.

When to provide tenants 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.

Penalties for not having a gas safety inspection and gas safety certificate:

Failure to have a Gas Safety inspection and certificate can result in a fine of up to Β£5000, and the landlord may be liable for damages caused by gas appliances or flues on the property.

Should you need any assistance with understanding your obligations or how the Gas Safety Regulations affect your right to possession please reach out to a member of the Eviction Support Team

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