Good news for landlords on Gas Safety Certificates!
c.jermyn • June 19, 2020
The long awaited Court of Appeal Judgment on Trecarrell House Limited v Patricia Rouncefield brings good news for Landlords
Finally some goods news has been delivered to landlords by the courts.
The Court of Appeal has sided with landlords and, with a 2 to 3 majority, ruled that the landlord who served a gas safety certificate after the tenant took occupation of the property was not precluded from serving a valid section 21 notice to obtain possession.
The key point to note is that a valid gas safety certificate must have been issued
before the tenancy began and the gas safety certificate must have been served
before the section 21 notice was served.
We have however, worked with numerous landlords and agents who have carried out the gas safety checks and obtained a certificate but are unable to prove that the gas safety certificate was served
on the tenant before occupation of the property, leaving them unable to gain possession of their property without instead having to prove grounds set out on Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988, such as non payment of rent.
The requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 remain of the utmost importance, but we are now in a position where a well intending landlord is not prevented from gaining possession of their property due to an administrative error or lack of solid evidence in respect of administrative processes.
The judgment comes as welcome news and peace of mind for landlords.
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We are delighted to share that Woodstock Legal Services has been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South of England at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026 . We are also proud to see Bethany Hudson , one of our Consultant Licensed Conveyancers, shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. With our head office in Poole, Dorset, we are proud of our roots in the South West and the relationships we have built within the region’s property community. These shortlists recognise both the strength of our Residential Property team and the people behind the scenes who support our clients throughout their property journey. At Woodstock Legal Services, our focus has always been on building a conveyancing service that works for both our clients and our consultants. By bringing together experienced conveyancers with dedicated back-office support and the right infrastructure, we aim to make the process of buying and selling property as straightforward as possible, while giving our lawyers the flexibility and support to deliver excellent client care. Our connection to the South West remains an important part of who we are. Through relationships with local property professionals and organisations such as Poole Property Club , we continue to build connections within the property market while supporting clients across England and Wales. Over the past year, our Residential Property team has continued to grow, supported by investment in our people, processes and technology. Our dedicated back-office teams play an equally important role, helping keep transactions moving so our conveyancers can focus on their clients and the legal work that matters most. Being shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the South of England is a recognition of the collective effort behind our service, from the conveyancers working directly with clients to the teams supporting them behind the scenes. Car Jermyn Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, added: " I’m incredibly proud to see Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year and Bethany Hudson recognised as a Rising Star. Both awards reflect the quality of our lawyers and the commitment of the wider team supporting them. It’s great to see the work happening across our business recognised, particularly in the South of England, where our roots are firmly established. " A growing modern law firm As we continue to grow, we are always keen to speak with experienced lawyers who want to work differently, be properly supported, and be part of a collaborative community. Behind every successful consultant is the right firm. Click here to see why consultants choose Woodstock.
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