Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure the gas appliances are safe and comply with regulations. Failure to adhere could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is a legal requirement to have your gas pipes, appliances and flues checked each year. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection period.
It's a requirement by law
If you're a property owner with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates current. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or prosecution. It is also important to get your gas appliances checked, and display a valid certificate in each property.
A gas safety certification contains information such as the date of inspection and the address of the house inspected, the details of each appliance inspected, their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the survey. It also lists any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to eliminate the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that aren't appropriate for. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas safety check, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant can be strained. However, landlords must take every reasonable step to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks, and informing the tenant that this is required for their security. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will prevent 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 credibility as a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract will also help you save money and time in the long term. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to look for the best price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of all gas appliances that are in your property. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and address any issues before they become more serious and potentially risky for tenants. In addition regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords risk huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's simple to get 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 a good idea to have more frequent checks especially if your property has been empty for an extended period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply may be shut off when the property was empty.
When you decide to let your property, it's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate prior to handing over the keys to 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.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow access to their property prior to any inspection. If gas safe register duplicate certificate 're not willing to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter explaining the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will entail. If they are still refusing to allow access, you can begin the eviction process with a section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your main obligation is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your deposit and be subject to legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's 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 hassle
Some aren't happy with the landlord gas safety inspections. It's not only a legal requirement but it's also good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy or suspect that the check might be an attempt to monitor them or their lifestyles. Landlords must keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do it when tenants permit access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords who have multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to remember that if they don't obtain their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the issue is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were done correctly. It's a good idea to keep an evidence in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't give their tenants a copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you are a tenant, then it is best to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and simple. The certificate is not expensive dependent on where you are and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the cost of renting out a house you may not think about the cost of gas safety checks. But this is an obligation that is legally required and must not be overlooked. This will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can give a valid certificate if any problems arise. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords are required to keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in every property and check them regularly and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and looking at quotes. It is important to inquire for discounts if you own several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who reside in less affluent or remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access to the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully composed note describing your motives for getting access to their house should convince them.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord may take actions. This could include a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.