Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with regulations. Failure to do so could lead to fines and may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be tested every year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspections.
It's a legal requirement
If you're a landlord who has one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. Failure to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. There are other benefits for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificate contains information such as date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current condition and the name and ID number of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also lists appliances that are considered unsafe to use and gives suggestions for fixing the fault. If the engineer finds any 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 can sometimes refuse access to a gas safety inspection which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may begin to get strained. However landlords are required to make every effort to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks, and writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy their gas
safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and permit potential tenants to see the record of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish a good reputation as a responsible landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, having an annual
boiler service and gas safety certificate contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer will save your time and money in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea shop around to find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances you have in your home. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify 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 and allow them to last longer.
Landlords must have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them are subject to massive fines or may find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A yearly
gas safety Certificate Landlord check is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent check-ups particularly if your home has been empty for an extended period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas inspection, but it's recommended to perform more frequent gas inspections, especially if the property has been empty for a long time.
It is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before letting a property. This is so you can transfer keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work has been done on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant you access to the property. If they're not willing you can mail them a strongly worded letter that explains why access is needed and what the gas safety inspection will involve. If they do not agree, you can begin the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it is about gas safety, your main responsibility 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 the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to have regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
Some people are not happy with the landlord gas safety inspections. It is not only an official requirement, but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by experts. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that would be very bad news for anyone who is within or around the property.
Certain tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is quite understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of privacy, or think that the inspection could be a ploy to spy or track them. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally obliged to conduct these inspections, and they are only able to do so when tenants allow them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be a hassle especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they don't obtain their gas safety certification, they risk hefty fines and the tenants might not be allowed to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever taken. They might not be able prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep a copy and it's a good idea to keep a record just 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 of an inspection. So if you're a tenant, you should try to request one from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and easy. The certificate isn't expensive depending on where you live and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
You probably don't think about gas security checks when you think about the cost of renting a home. But it is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It ensures your tenants are protected and you can produce a valid certificate in case any problems arise. Additionally, it will save you from costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to keep in mind that a landlord must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance
can i get a copy of my gas safe certificate help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health hazard. This is caused by defective gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test will vary slightly based on the engineer. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less affluent or remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware that tenants will refuse to let access to conduct a security check. This is typically due to fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to monitor them. However, a carefully written letter stating the reasons to gain access will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take action. This can include serving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether or not this is reasonable. The most effective way for the landlord do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.
