How to Handle Missing Gas Safety Certificates from Your Landlord

You don’t need a gas safety license as a homeowner. But in the UK, owners are required by law to give renters a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) once a year or at the beginning of a lease. This document comes from a Gas Safe registered engineer. It makes sure that gas appliances and pipes in a rental property have been tested and are safe to use. This keeps renters safe from dangers like carbon monoxide leaks and gas explosions. What should you do if your landlord doesn’t want to do the same?

Understanding Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

Landlords are required to:

• Gas safety checks should be done once a year by a Gas Safe registered expert to look for leaks, proper ventilation and gas pressure and flow in all gas appliances (like a boiler or cooker) and their pipes and flues. There should always be a valid CP12 on file. A copy of the license should also be kept by the landlord for at least two years.
• Let them have the certificate right away: Legally, you must give your current tenants a copy of your Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the gas safety check. For new renters, you must give this to them at the start of their lease.
• Take care of any problems: If the gas system doesn’t meet safety standards, it needs to be fixed or changed over right away.

Not only is failing to fulfil these responsibilities a violation of legal obligations but also a major safety risk. It could result in criminal prosecution and significant penalties. It can also endanger a landlord’s insurance and liability in accident situations.

Requesting a Gas Safety Certificate

In case you don’t have the license yet, do these things:

• Communicate in Writing: The first thing you need to do is ask your landlord or letting company for a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate in writing. Kindly tell your landlord of what they need to do. If you know, list the date of the last check or the day you moved in.
• Keep the proof: Keep copies of everything you write. These could be proof of your honest efforts if things get worse.
• Seek Legal Action: Your landlord could get in trouble if they don’t give you the license or make sure safety checks are done. You have the right to keep your home safe as a renter.

Landlords should answer your question right away. If they don’t do anything, more might have to be done.

Reporting to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

You can tell the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about your landlord if they refuse to give you the certificate or set up a check. Since it upholds gas safety rules, the HSE can go after landlords who don’t follow them.

You can call their helpline or go to their website to report a theft. There is also a private hotline for the HSE where you can call, talk about your problems, and ask that your name be kept hidden. Your report could lead to the landlord taking action.

Seeking Professional Advice

When people don’t follow the rules, it might be time for skilled help:

• Citizens Advice: They help people for free with living problems and their rights as renters.
• Housing Disrepair Solicitors can give you advice on possible legal actions or claims for compensation.
• Tenant Advocacy Groups: Organisations can provide more resources and assistance suited to your circumstances.

SilverOak Solicitors can help you protect your rights by giving you professional advice. Call us at 020 8578 7778.

Staying Safe While Waiting

As you work on the problem, make sure you stay safe:

•  Watch out for signs of trouble. Some signs of a carbon monoxide leak are headaches, feeling sick, or feeling dizzy.
• Add a carbon monoxide alarm. For extra safety, put one near things that use petrol.
• Reporting a gas emergency: Call the National Gas Emergency Service right away at 0800 111 999 if you smell gas or think there is a leak.

Legal Action Against Non-Compliant Landlords

What if your owner doesn’t say anything? You might be able to sue them. People who don’t follow petrol safety rules can file claims for compensation to cover the trouble and pain they caused. Our lawyers for housing disrepair can help you file a claim and make sure you get the help and safety you need.

Call us at 020 8578 7778 right now for expert information and help. Our tips will help you keep your home safe, habitable, and free of the risks that come with ignoring it.