Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances are safe and comply with the rules. In the absence of this, it could result in fines and may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 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 examined each year. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties and are forced into a shorter inspection cycle.
It's a lawful 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 current. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of not complying. There are other practical benefits for having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certification displayed at every location.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions for how to fix the issue. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be in danger but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access to a safety check. This could cause issues in the relationship between landlords and tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This means making multiple 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 to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate s at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into a house with gas appliances that are unsafe. It also allows potential future tenants to review the results of safety checks. Additionally the gas safety certificate will help you establish an image of an honest and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer can save you time and money in the long in the long. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the most affordable price for you.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of any gas appliances you have in your home. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and fix any problems before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections will aid in keeping gas boilers, as well as other equipment, in good condition, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their homes. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who don't have them are subject to heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's not difficult to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent check-ups particularly if your home has been empty for an extended period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply may have been shut off while the property was empty.
It is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report when re-letting an apartment. This is so you can hand over keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been carried out on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea request your tenant to give access to their home prior to any inspection. 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 inspection will involve. If they are still refusing then you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You may lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. It's a good idea to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not happy with the situation. It's not just a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that would be very bad news for anyone living in or around the property.
But some tenants refuse to permit access to these inspections It's reasonable. Some tenants might feel it is an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection is a ploy to spy or monitor them. But landlords need to bear in mind that they are legally bound to carry out these inspections, and are only able to do so when tenants allow them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords with multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and tenants may not be permitted to move in until the problem is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. They might not be able prove they had carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants didn't keep a copy therefore it's worthwhile to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they may be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, you should try to get one from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple process. The certificate is not costly dependent on where you're located and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting out a house it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety checks. But it is a legal requirement that should not be omitted. It will ensure your tenants are safe and you can provide a valid certificate in case any problems arise. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that landlords are required to keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good working order. 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 gas, tasteless and odourless that isn't detectable without specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every property and should be monitored regularly. Gas appliances must also be checked.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. You can inquire about discounts if there are several properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your property. Landlords in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is often due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicion of snooping. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reason for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take action. This includes serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if or not this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is required.