Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the regulations. In the absence of this, it could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is a legal requirement to have your gas Safety Certificate landlord pipes and appliances tested annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are forced to follow a shorter inspection period.
It's an obligation of the law
Whether you're a landlord with one property or several rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates current. A penalty or even a fine could result from not complying. It is also advisable to have your gas appliances inspected and to display a valid certificate in each property.
A gas safety certification contains information such as the date of inspection and the address of the property that was inspected, the information of each appliance inspected, their current status, and the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't suitable for. If the appliance is found to be in danger but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access to a safety check. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. However landlords are required to 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 then writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
The landlords must be sure to display a copy gas safety certificates in every property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and allow potential future tenants to see the record of safety inspections. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate can help build an image of an honest and professional landlord, which could attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer can save you time and money in the long in the long. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is 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 you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and fix problems before they become dangerous and more serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order, so they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their home. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent checks in the event that you have left your property empty for a long time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas inspection, but it's a good idea to perform more frequent gas checks, especially if your property has been left empty for a long period of time.
When it comes to re-letting your home, it is essential to have a current gas safety certificate before you can hand over the keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when 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 grant you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they do not agree to allow access, you can start the eviction procedure with the section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit to rent and could be subject to legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to have regular inspections conducted 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 gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just an official requirement, but also a good idea to ensure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by a professional. 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.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections, which is quite understandable. They might feel it's an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the check might be an attempt to observe them or their habits. Landlords need to keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do this when tenants permit access to their properties.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle, especially for landlords with multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to be aware that if they don't obtain their gas safety certificate and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the issue is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates 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 conducted correctly. It's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
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 a period of 28 days following an inspection. So if you're a tenant, you should try to get one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple procedure. The certificate is not costly - depending on where you live and how many appliances are examined, it will cost between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting out a house, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. This will ensure that your tenants are safe and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that issues occur. It can also assist you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should keep their appliances, pipework and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that can't be detected without the use of specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test will vary slightly based on the engineer. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if there are several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may influence the cost of a security check. Landlords in cities like London are likely to pay more than those in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants may refuse to allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due to a fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to spy on them. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take action. This includes serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is required.