Gas Safety Certificate for Landlords: Landlord’s Responsibilities

Gas safety certificate for landlords is a legal requirement that must be complied with by all UK landlords to ensure that all gas appliances in a rental property are safe for the tenant’s use. This means that all rented properties must have a valid gas safety certificate carried out every year by a registered Gas Safe Engineer. If any problems are highlighted, then these should be remedied by the landlord.

 In this article, we will discuss what a Gas Safety Certificate for landlords is and the landlords’ responsibility behind them!

What is a Gas Safety Certificate for landlords?

A gas safety certificate is a document that records the results of a thorough inspection of all gas appliances in a property. The engineer will check for any potential hazards, such as leaks, faulty connections, or blocked flues. They will also make sure that the appliances are properly maintained and that the tenants have been given safety instructions.

What is a landlord’s responsibility in relation to Gas Safety Certificates?

When a landlord of a residential property rents to tenants they have a duty of care to make sure that the property is in a fit state of repair. One such obligation is in relation to any gas appliances that are installed at the property. This is set out in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. It is also set out in the Government Guidance “How to rent a safe home”.

At the start of a tenancy, the landlord must provide their tenant with the latest gas safety certificate. This should be provided before the tenant moves in and we would suggest that the landlord has the tenant sign to say that they have received the same. 

A Section 21, no fault notice, seeking possession cannot be served on a tenant unless the tenant has been provided with the certificate.  There are also criminal penalties that can be imposed for failing to comply with the same. We would always recommend that you check your building’s insurance to make sure you also comply with their terms and conditions on a gas safety inspection. If the tenant refuses access then the landlord must take reasonable steps to comply with the law, they can seek advice from a Landlord and Tenant Dispute solicitor or may make an Application to the Court for access to undertake the inspection. 

When should a Gas Safety Certificate be renewed?

Inspections should be carried out annually and each time a new certificate is issued the same should also be provided to the tenant.  Whilst in a lot of cases the certificate is left at the property by the engineer when they undertake the inspection, the landlord should make sure that the tenant is provided with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of each check.

How much does a Gas Safety Certificate cost?

The cost of a gas safety certificate for landlords in the UK varies depending on various factors. The cost factors in both the size of the property, the location of the property and the number of gas appliances. Typically, landlords can expect to spend between £50 and £100 for a Gas Safety Certificate.

How can Taylor Bracewell’s Dispute Resolution team help?

Taylor Bracewell’s Dispute Resolution team can help landlords in a number of ways, including:

• Providing advice on the legal requirements for gas safety certificates
• Representing landlords in court if they are accused of failing to provide a gas safety certificate
• Helping landlords to resolve disputes with tenants about gas safety

If you are a landlord who is unsure about your gas safety obligations, or if you have been accused of failing to provide a gas safety certificate, please contact Taylor Bracewell’s Dispute Resolution team for advice. For further advice, call our Doncaster team on 01302 341414 or our Sheffield team on 0114 272 1884. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form.