Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipes and appliances checked every year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their property, and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection cycle.
It's a legal 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. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of failing to comply. It is also beneficial to inspect your gas appliances and to have a valid certificate on every home.
A gas safety certification contains details such as the date of inspection the address of the property which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances considered unsafe to use and offers suggestions on how to fix the problem. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger but not immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access for a safety check. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This should include making several attempts to perform the checks and writing to the tenant informing them 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 must also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This will prevent tenants from moving into a house with gas appliances that are unsafe. It will also allow potential tenants to review the results of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish a good reputation as an honest landlord. This will draw more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer can save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and correct any issues before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Regular inspections also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well other equipment in good working condition and allow them to last for longer.
Landlords are required by law to have an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and mkgassafety setting up an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent checks particularly if your home has been left empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's a good idea conduct more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been vacant for a prolonged period.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's important to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate before you hand over the keys to the new tenants. It is also essential to conduct a re-inspection if the old appliances were taken by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to grant access to their home prior to any inspection. If they're hesitant, you can send them a clearly written letter stating the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they still refuse to allow access, you can begin the process of eviction with the section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your most important responsibility is to make sure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy deposit and face legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's always recommended to schedule annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a pain
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections for landlords. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea make sure that tenants use appliances that have been inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
However, some tenants are unwilling to allow access for these inspections, which is quite understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy or suspect that the check might be some sort of ploy to observe their activities or habits. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to conduct these inspections, and can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are resistant particularly if they own multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't obtain their gas safety certificate and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to save 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 might not be able to prove the inspections were carried out correctly. It's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they don't provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as you can.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and easy. The certificate is not expensive - depending on where you are and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
Most people don't think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a home. However, it is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can provide a valid certificate in case there are any issues. It can also aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords should keep their appliances, pipework and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide which is a major health hazard. It is caused by defective gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without special equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and regularly check them as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check can vary a bit depending on the engineer. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your property. Landlords who reside 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 be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access for the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of snooping. A carefully written note outlining your reasons for getting access to their home should convince them.
If the tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may take action to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This could include the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.