Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could lead to fines 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.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipes and appliances tested each year. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their property, and are forced into a shorter inspection cycle.
It's an obligation of the law
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date, whether you are a landlord who has one property or a rental portfolio. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of infractions. It is also beneficial to have your gas appliances inspected, and have a valid certificate on every home.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection the address of the building inspected, the details of each appliance inspected, their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions on how to fix the issue. If an engineer discovers unsuitable 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 to a safety inspection. This could cause issues in the relationship between tenants and landlords. However landlords must take every reasonable step to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to perform the checks and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificate at each property. This will keep tenants from moving into a house that has gas appliances that are unsafe and will also allow potential tenants to review the results of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you build credibility as an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract will also save you money and time in the long run. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to shop around and find the most affordable price for you.
It's a great 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 detect and fix problems before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections will also help keep gas boilers, as well as other equipment in good condition and allow them to last longer.
Landlords are required by law to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections particularly if your home 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.
It's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before letting an apartment. This is to ensure that you can give the keys to your 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 done on the gas system since your last inspection.
Before you conduct any inspection it is an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they're not willing to give access, you can write them a clearly written letter that explains the reason for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they are still refusing to allow access, you can begin the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you risk losing your deposit for tenancy and potentially face legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's always an ideal idea to schedule regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safety Certificate Landlord Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
Not everyone is happy about the landlord gas safety inspections. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone living in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy or believe that the check is an attempt to spy on them or their habits. But landlords need to bear in mind that they are legally bound to carry out these inspections, and they must only do it when tenants allow them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords who own multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants might not be allowed to move in until the issue is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. They may not be able to prove that they've conducted the correct inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies, so it's worth keeping a record just in case.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, you should try to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and easy. The certificate isn't expensive dependent on where you are and the number of appliances tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
You may not think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a property. However, it is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. This will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can give an official certificate in the event that issues occur. Plus, it can aid in avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that a landlord must maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas, tasteless and odourless that cannot be detected without specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property, and they should be checked regularly. Gas appliances must also be inspected.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check may vary slightly depending on the specialist. However, it is possible to find a good price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer deals when you bundle inspections together.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your home. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants might not allow access for the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind getting access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can take action to enforce the inspection. This could include giving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best thing for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.