Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances conform with the regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could result in fines and compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues are required to be inspected annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are compelled to take on an inspection that is shorter.
It's an obligation of the law
If you're a property owner with one property or several rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. Inability to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are other benefits of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate posted at every location.
A gas safety certification contains information like the date of inspection the address of the building which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance that was inspected with their current condition, and the name and number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe for use' and suggests ways to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that are not suitable. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access to a safety check. This could cause issues in the relationship between tenants and landlords. However, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes attempting multiple times to conduct the checks and informing the tenant that this is a requirement for their safety. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
gas safety certificate what is checked MK Gas Safety should also display a copy their gas safety certificate at each property. This will keep tenants from moving into a house with gas appliances that are unsafe. It also allows potential future tenants to review the results of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish an image of an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer will save you time and money in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop for the best price.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all gas appliances that are in your property. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and fix any problems before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections will also help keep gas boilers, as well other equipment in good working condition which will allow them to last for longer.
Landlords must have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. Without these certificates, landlords could face huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's not difficult to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent check-ups particularly if your home was left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be altered or the gas supply might have been turned off while the property was empty.
It is crucial to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate when you are re-letting a property. This is to ensure that you can hand over the keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before any inspection it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant you access to the property. If they're not willing you can mail an unambiguously written letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will entail. If they are still refusing to allow access, you can begin the process of eviction with the section 21 notice.
When it is about gas safety, your primary responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You may lose your deposit and face legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's recommended to schedule annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not only a legal requirement but it also makes good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or around the building.
Some tenants will not allow access for these inspections, which is reasonable. They may think it's a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to spy on them or their habits. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obligated to carry out these inspections, and they can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating especially for landlords who own multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that in the event that their gas safety certification is not obtained, they may be penalized with heavy fines, and tenants may not be permitted to move into the house until the issue is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever repossessed. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able to prove the inspections were done correctly. It's a good idea to keep an evidence in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of conducting an inspection, they may be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's best to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and easy. The certificate isn't expensive dependent on where you live and the number of appliances examined, it will cost between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting out a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety checks. However, it is a legal requirement that should not be omitted. This will ensure that your tenants are safe and you can give an appropriate certificate should problems arise. It also helps you avoid costly repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house and should be monitored regularly. Gas appliances must also be inspected.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check can vary a bit depending on the engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. It's important to inquire for discounts if you own several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your home. Landlords who live in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less well-off regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that certain tenants may not be able to grant access to the purpose of a check. This is often due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of snooping. However, a carefully worded letter explaining the reasons to gain access will convince them to let you in.
If a tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.