LL now charging for Gas Safety Inspection

nicecuppatea_3

Does anyone know - can my LL suddenly (after twenty five years) start charging me for the twice yearly gas safety inspections over and above my rent? Says nothing about it in my Tenancy Agreement. My rent is reviewed every two years by the Rent Service, my LL has also asked for a rent rise this time of nearly 70% but, as I understand, whatever they may want, they cannot get an increase above a certain percentage (I think around 11%). Also, I'm a bit confused now about the Rent Service, are they a good thing for someone like me who has a secure tenancy - (since mid 80's)? Can someone enlighten me? Thanks

paradhise

No he can not charge you for it. It is his responsibility to ensure that all gas services are adequately serviced and meet the safety standards.

He is at it.

Doozergirl

Has the house changed hands? Seems a little odd that he suddenly doesn't understand how rent reviews works on a regulated tenancy

And no of course they can't charge for the Gas Safety Certificate. You only need one per year but it is entirely the responsibility of the LL to pay for it.

Poppycat

I always thought is the LL too, and its a annual check

http://www.homeserve.com/insurance-policies/landlords-policies/landlords-heating/cp12-gas-safety-inspections

Section 36 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 makes it a legal duty for most Landlords to maintain all gas appliances and flues, which are provided for tenants use in rented properties, and have them checked for safety at least once every 12 months by a CORGI registered installer.

nicecuppatea_3

Thanks all for such a quick response. Yes, I thought it was an annual check though they seem to be wanting to charge me for two per year plus VAT. And yes, old company, new management - and they hate all their sitting tenants, in fact, judging by what I hear on the grapevine, many of their other tenants moan about their attitude too, rudeness, arrogance etc though of course, it's not against the law to be rude and arrogant. Still not clear on the role of the Rent Service though, should they not have said to LL, 'hang on a minute' about charging for the gas servicing? Also, it says in the letter from the Rent Service (quote): 'I do not have to register the amount asked for by the applicant as the fair rent; I may register a higher or lower figure'. Is my LL obliged to charge me the figure the Rent Officer says is fair? If LL charges me a higher figure how will my Housing Benefit be affected? Is the Rent Service being used here because I have a secure tenancy or because I'm an HB claimant? Sorry, I must be getting old, I thought I understood all this...

Tassotti

Seems like LL wants you out to sell the place..His choice, but going about it in wrong way!!!

HugoSP

LL picks up the bill for the gas inspection.

Insists he bills you in writing

Refuse to pay it

If you have to take him to court for anything, keep the written deamand for payment as evidence of what you've had to deal with.

Doozergirl

nicecuppatea wrote: »

Still not clear on the role of the Rent Service though, should they not have said to LL, 'hang on a minute' about charging for the gas servicing?

Don't think this sort of thing is within their remit - they just set a fair rent, I think.

nicecuppatea wrote: »

Also, it says in the letter from the Rent Service (quote): 'I do not have to register the amount asked for by the applicant as the fair rent; I may register a higher or lower figure'. Is my LL obliged to charge me the figure the Rent Officer says is fair? If LL charges me a higher figure how will my Housing Benefit be affected? Is the Rent Service being used here because I have a secure tenancy or because I'm an HB claimant? Sorry, I must be getting old, I thought I understood all this...

Yes, I believe that the LL is obliged to charge you the figure that the Rent Officer says is fair. It is because you have a secure tenancy, not because of Housing Benefit.

poppy10_2

Yup. Sounds like he is trying to force you out of the property - don't stand for it, you have a secured tenancy and can stay put for pretty much as long as you like. Don't pay these charges.

teeni

this sounds like the landlord is trying to force all the secure tenants out so that they can increase rent, they are obliged to charge what the rent assessment officer finds is reasonable. remember you have the securest type of tenancy there is and as such they can only evict you if you breech the tenancy agreement, not out of choice.

Have all the tenants been there for similar lengths of time, may be worth you getting to gether and speaking to the public housing officer at the council who can ensure that the new management team act responsibly and with in the law.

It is the ll responsibility to pay for the annual gas certificate not your s , again the public housing officer can explian this to your ll for you if you discuss it with him.