Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with regulations. Infractions could result in fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be inspected annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection period.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate current regardless of whether you're an owner of one property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could result from not complying. There are also some practical advantages of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certification displayed at every location.
The gas safety certificate includes details like the date of inspection, address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are considered unsafe to use and offers suggestions on how to fix the fault. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be at risk but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access to a safety check. This can create problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the lease agreement.
Landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificate at every property. This will stop tenants from moving into a property that has gas appliances that are unsafe and can also permit potential tenants to review the results of the safety checks. In addition the gas safety certificate can help build a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which will bring in more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract can also save you time and money in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop around to find the best price.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and fix problems before they become more dangerous and serious. Regular inspections also help keep gas boilers, as well as other equipment, in good condition, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords must possess the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their home. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It is easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and making an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to conduct more frequent inspections especially if your property has been left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was empty.
It's essential to have an updated gas safety report before letting the property. This is so that you can hand over keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required in the event that the old appliances have been taken by tenants or work has been carried out on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a great idea to request your tenant to give access to their home prior to any inspection. If they do not agree to allow access, you can send them a letter explaining the reason for access and what will be included in the gas safety inspection. If they don't want to go through the process to allow access, you can start the process of eviction with a section-21 notice.
When it concerns gas safety, your main responsibility is to make sure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit to rent and could be subject to legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea, to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, this could lead to a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or around the building.
However, some tenants are unwilling to allow access for these inspections This is reasonable. They may think it's an infringement of their privacy or believe that the check might be some sort of ploy to observe their activities or habits. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally obligated to conduct the inspections and must only do it only if tenants permit them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be a hassle, especially for landlords with multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't get their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the issue is addressed.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever repossessed. They may not be able prove they had carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants haven't kept a copy, so it's worth keeping the certificate in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant it is recommended to get your landlord's permission as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to 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 dependent on where you're located and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you are considering the costs of renting a property. But this is an essential legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that issues arise. Plus, it can save you from expensive repairs in the future.
Be gas safety certificate duplicate that landlords must keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. It can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that can't be detected without specialized equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is also worth asking about discounts if you have multiple properties that need to be checked. 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 metropolitan areas such as London will likely be required to pay more than those who live in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords must be aware of the possibility that tenants may refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of spying. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reason for access should convince them to allow you access.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.