Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. In the absence of this, it could lead to penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be tested annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.
It's a legal requirement
If you're a landlord who has one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. A penalty or even a fine could be the result of not complying. It is also important to have your gas appliances inspected and display a valid certificate in each property.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, the address of the property that was inspected, the details of each appliance with their current status and the name and ID number of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions on how to fix the problem. If the engineer finds any unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger but not immediately the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant could be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable steps to be in compliance. This means making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and then writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificates at each property. This will help to stop tenants from moving into a house with unsafe gas appliances and can also permit potential tenants to look over the records of the safety inspections. Additionally having a gas safety certification will help you establish an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure however, a service contract can also save you time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop for the best price.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances you have in your home. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and correct any issues before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order, so they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their property. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not possess them risk heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It is easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and making an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks if you have been away from your property for a long period of time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was not being used.
It's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before letting a property. This is to ensure that you can give the keys to your new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary if the old appliances were taken by the tenants or any work has been done on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea to ask your tenant to grant access to their home prior to any inspection. If they're hesitant to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter that explains the reason for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21.
Safety of your gas appliances is the top priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit to rent and potentially face legal action from your 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 an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is happy with the situation. It is not only an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or within the building.
Certain tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. what is gas safety certificate is quite understandable. Some tenants might feel it is an invasion of privacy, or believe the check could be a ploy to spy or monitor them. Landlords need to remember that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so if tenants allow them access to their homes.
It can be difficult for landlords to to deal with tenants who are resistant, especially if they own multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to keep in mind that if they fail to obtain 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 save copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able to prove the inspections were conducted correctly. It's worth having a record in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant it is recommended to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The certificate is not costly depending on where you live and how many appliances are checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting out a house, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety checks. Yet it is an essential legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It will ensure your tenants are safe and you can produce a valid certificate in case any problems arise. It can also help you avoid 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 will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses serious health risk. This can be caused by malfunctioning fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without specialist equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a good price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It's also worth asking for discounts if you own several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your home is a further factor that may affect the cost of a security check. Landlords who live in urban areas such as London will be required to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords should also be aware that some tenants may not be able to grant access to the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully composed note describing your reasons for getting access to their house will convince them.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to decide to enforce the inspection. This can include giving a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain to them why it's essential to conduct a gas safety check.