Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure the gas appliances are safe and comply with regulations. Failure to do so could result in fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework and appliances checked each year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection time.
It's a requirement by law
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord who has a single property or a rental portfolio. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or even prosecution. It is also advisable to have your gas appliances inspected and to display a valid certificate in every property.
A gas safety certification contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the house inspected, the details of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions for fixing the fault. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas safety inspection and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may begin to get strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is a requirement for their safety. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This will stop tenants from settling in a home that has gas appliances that are unsafe and can also permit potential tenants to review the results of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you build a good reputation as an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure and safe, but a service agreement can also save you time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop around to find the best price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections can aid in keeping gas boilers, as well as other equipment, in good condition, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords need to have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's a breeze to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However it is recommended to do more frequent checks when you've been away from your property for a long period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply could have been turned off while the property was not being used.
When you decide to let your property, it's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you hand keys to the new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary in the event that the older appliances have been used by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to allow you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant to give access, you can write them a clearly written letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they don't want to go through the process to allow access, you can start the process of eviction with the section-21 notice.
When it is about gas safety, your main obligation is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't have one, you risk losing your deposit for tenancy and could be subject to legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's always recommended to schedule annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a pain
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It is not only an official requirement, but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by a professional. In the event that something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that is a disaster for anyone who is in or around the property.
Some tenants will not let these inspections in, which is reasonable. They might think it's a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check might be an attempt to spy on their activities or habits. Landlords should remember that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections and only do this in the event that tenants allow access to their homes.
Being faced with angry tenants can be frustrating, especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to remember that if they don't obtain their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants might not be allowed to move in until the issue is resolved.
do i need a gas safety certificate 's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were done correctly. It's worth keeping a record in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they don't provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you are a tenant, then it is best to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast procedure. The cost isn't too expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances checked.
It's affordable
When you think about the cost of renting out a house you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. But this is a legal requirement that should not be omitted. It will ensure that your tenants are secure and you can provide a valid certificate in case any issues arise. It also helps you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that cannot be detected without specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and regularly check them and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for quotes. It's important to inquire about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less affluent regions or remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants may not be able to grant access to the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicions of snooping. But a well-written letter stating the reason for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This includes giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if 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.