Why Landlords Should Keep Their
Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Failure to do so could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.

CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a 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 inspection time.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate current regardless of whether you're a landlord who has one property or a rental portfolio. Inability to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. It is also advisable to inspect your gas appliances and have a valid certificate on each property.
A gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection and the address of the house which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance inspected, their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also lists appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and provides suggestions on how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that are not suitable. 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 for a
Gas safety certificate landlord safety inspection and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can begin to get strained. However landlords must make every effort to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to perform the checks and then writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must be sure to display a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and allow potential future tenants to see the record of safety checks. Additionally the gas safety certificate will help to build an image of an honest and professional landlord, which could attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer will save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop for the most affordable price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of all gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections will aid in keeping
gas safe installation certificate boilers, as well as other equipment, in good condition and allow them to last for longer.
Landlords must have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks when you've been away from your property for a long time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's a good idea to have more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been vacant for a long time.
It's essential to have an updated gas safety certificate when you are re-letting a property. This is so you can transfer keys to your new tenants. It is also essential to conduct a re-inspection when the older appliances have been used by tenants or work has been completed on the
homeowner gas safety certificate system since the last inspection.
Before you conduct any inspection it is an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant access to the property. If they're not willing to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they still refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process with a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your deposit and face legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. 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
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the way things are going. It's not just a legal requirement but it is also a good idea make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by experts. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which is a disaster for anyone who is within or around the property.
However, some tenants are unwilling to allow access for these inspections This is understandable. They might feel it's an infringement of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to spy on them or their lifestyles. Landlords need to be aware that they are under a legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and only do this if tenants allow them access to their homes.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords with multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may be penalized with heavy fines and tenants might not be permitted to move into the property until the issue is solved.
Keep copies of the
gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever have to repossess the property. They may not be able to prove they had carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept copies therefore it's worthwhile to keep a record just in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you're a tenant, it's best to ask your
landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and easy. The cost isn't expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's not expensive
You may not think of gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a home. However, this is a legal requirement that should not be omitted. It ensures your tenants are protected and you can produce a valid certificate in case any issues arise. Additionally, it will aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that can't be detected without the use of specialist equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and regularly check them as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check can vary a bit depending on the engineer. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections together.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your home. Landlords who live in urban areas such as London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less affluent or in remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that tenants will not allow access to conduct a security check. This is usually due the fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to spy on them. But a well-written letter stating the reason for access should convince them to allow you access.

If the tenant continues to deny access to the property, the landlord may take action to enforce the inspection. This includes sending the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best thing for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is necessary.