Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the regulations. Failure to adhere could result in fines and harm the security 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 must be tested every year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties, and are forced into a shorter inspection period.
It's a lawful requirement
If you're a property owner with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. A penalty or even a fine could result from failing to comply. There are other practical benefits to having your gas appliances checked and a valid certificate posted at every location.
A gas safety certification contains information like the date of inspection and the address of the building that was inspected, the information of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but isn't immediately hazardous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas security check which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could begin to get strained. However landlords must take all reasonable steps to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
The landlords must be sure to display a copy gas safety certificate in each property. This can help stop tenants from moving into a property that has gas appliances that are unsafe and also allows potential future tenants to view the record of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish an image of a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only make sure that your gas equipment is safe and safe, but a service agreement will also save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop for the lowest price.
It's a great idea
As an owner, it is your duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and address issues before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections will also help keep gas boilers, and other equipment, in good working order, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords are required by law to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their properties. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them are subject to heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. Fortunately, it's easy to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and making an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections especially if your property has been empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply may be shut off when the property is unoccupied.
It is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report when re-letting a property. This is so that you can hand over keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the older appliances have been used by tenants or work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow access to their property before any inspection. If they don't agree to allow access, you can send them a letter explaining the reason for access and the steps included during the gas safety inspection. If they still refuse then you can start the eviction process with a section 21 notice.
When it is about gas safety, your main obligation is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't have one, you risk losing your deposit to rent and possibly facing legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the situation. It is not only an official requirement, but also a good idea to ensure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by experts. After all, if something goes wrong it could cause a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which could be a nightmare for anyone living in or around the home.
Certain tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection is an attempt to snoop on or monitor them. But landlords should keep in their minds that they are legally obligated to conduct these inspections, and can only do this when tenants allow them access to their property.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't obtain their gas safety certification, they risk hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the issue is resolved.
Read the Full Article 's also a good idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever repossessed. They might not be able to prove that they've carried out the correct inspections if previous tenants haven't kept a copy and it's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's recommended to get one from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick process. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's affordable
You may not think of gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a home. But it is a legal requirement that should not be omitted. It will ensure that your tenants are safe and you are able to provide a valid certificate in case any problems arise. It can also help you avoid costly repairs.
Remember that landlords must also keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without special equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the specialist. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. Consider discounts if you are multiple properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your house. Landlords who live in urban areas such as London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who reside in less well-off regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a security check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of spying. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind gaining access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord can take actions. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain why it's essential to conduct the gas safety inspection.