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Gas safety for landlords

Evicting a Tenant: New Accelerated Possession Claim Form N5B6th May 2020

by Eric Holt on 6th May 2020

Contact Eric Holt

There is a new accelerated possession claim form N5B for properties in England. Landlords must also confirm that a copy of a valid gas safety record was provided to the tenant(s) before they occupied the property.

Furthermore, landlords will also need to provide copies of ALL of the gas safety records throughout the tenancy because these will need to be attached to the claim form.

The government has not explained the relevance of providing ALL gas safety records throughout the tenancy. But the new rules further underline the importance of compliance – not just for good health and safety reasons – but also from an administrative perspective. Abiding by the rules is crucial. And so is being seen to do so.

But the new rules have created a potential pitfall that could catch out landlords...

Gas safety record regulations (as amended) require certificates to be kept only until there have been two further checks of the appliance or flue. Or, if an appliance or flue has been removed, for two years from the date it was last checked.

So a landlord could dispose of old certificates without realising that they may need to produce them to a court at some point!

For more information about regulations affecting landlords, contact Coles Miller Debt Recovery Manager Eric Holt.



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This document is not intended to constitute and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on any specific matter. No liability for the accuracy of the content of this document, or the consequences of relying on it, is assumed by the author. If you seek further information, please contact Managing Partner Neil Andrews at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP.