Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could result in fines and harm the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be inspected annually. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their property, and are forced to follow an inspection that is shorter.
It's an official requirement
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. A penalty or even a fine could result from not complying. It is also important to get your gas appliances checked and to show a valid certificate in each property.
A gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection the address of the house that was inspected, the information of each appliance checked with their current condition, and the name and number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances that are deemed to be unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to eliminate the issue. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If a device is found to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access for a safety check. This could cause issues in the relationship between landlords and tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This should include making several attempts to perform the checks and then writing to the tenant stating 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 also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties 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 an image of an honest landlord. This will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract can also save you time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a good idea.
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and address issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their home. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them face huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent inspections in the event that you have abandoned your home for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's recommended to perform more frequent gas inspections, especially if the property has been left empty for a long period of time.
It is crucial to have an updated gas safety certificate when you are re-letting the property. This is so that you can give keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away 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 give access to the property. If they are reluctant you can mail them a clearly written letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety checks will include. If they do not agree to allow access, you can start the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your tenancy deposit and face legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to have annual inspections by a qualified 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's not just a legal requirement, but it's also good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
However, some tenants are unwilling to let these inspections in It's understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of privacy, or believe the check could be an attempt to spy on or monitor them. Landlords should keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do it if tenants allow them access to their homes.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be stressful, especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to keep in mind that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the problem is addressed.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able to prove the inspections were carried out 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're a tenant, it's recommended to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and simple. The certificate isn't expensive depending on where you live and how many appliances are checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting out a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should any problems arise. It also helps you avoid expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should keep their pipes, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which is a serious health danger. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas, tasteless and odourless that can't be detected without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house, and they should be monitored regularly. Gas appliances also need to be checked.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. Ask about discounts if there are several properties to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
The location of your home is another factor that can affect the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less affluent or in remote regions.
Landlords should be aware of the possibility that tenants may refuse to allow access to conduct a verification. This is typically due to fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to monitor them. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reason to gain access will convince them to let you in.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This includes giving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.