Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. In the absence of this, it could result in penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation 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 inspected annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their property, and are compelled to take on an inspection that is shorter.
It's a lawful requirement
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. Failure to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are other benefits of having your gas appliances checked and a valid certificate displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificates contain information such as date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance along with their current status as well as the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also lists any appliances that are deemed to be unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If an engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is deemed to be at risk, but isn't immediately hazardous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas safety check which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This includes repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is a requirement for their safety. It's also an excellent idea to include access arrangements in the Tenancy agreement.
Landlords must be sure to have a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. Additionally, a gas safety certificate will help to build reputation as an honest and professional landlord, which will bring in 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 run. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look for the most affordable price.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of all gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and address issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good condition which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their home. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who don't have them risk heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to conduct more frequent inspections, especially if your property was left empty for an extended period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, but it's a good idea to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been vacant for a long period of time.
If you are considering letting your property, it's important to have a current gas safety report prior to handing over the keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have removed the old appliances, or if any work was done on the gas system.
It's a great idea to ask your tenant to grant access to their property before any inspection. If they're not willing, you can send them a clearly written letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they are still refusing to allow access, you can begin the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your deposit and face legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's always an ideal idea to schedule annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the way things are going. It's not only a legal requirement but it's also good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario 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 feel it's a violation of their privacy or believe that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to observe them or their habits. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally obligated to carry out these inspections, and are only able to do so if the tenants grant them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle, especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be fined a lot, and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the problem is addressed.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth keeping an evidence in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they don't give their tenants the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you're a tenant, it's recommended to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and simple. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's not expensive
You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a house. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. It will ensure your tenants are safe and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should there are any issues. It can also assist you avoid expensive repairs.
Be aware that landlords must keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. It can be caused by malfunctioning fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. Ask about discounts if there are multiple properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections together.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your house. Landlords living in metropolitan areas such as London will likely have to pay more than those living in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants might not allow access for the check. This is usually due the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to track them. A carefully written note outlining your motives for getting access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This includes giving a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain why it's essential to conduct a gas safety check.