Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could result in fines and compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be tested every year. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are forced into an inspection that is shorter.
It's a legal requirement
If you're a landlord who has one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates current. A penalty or even a fine could result from not complying. There are also some practical advantages for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certification displayed in each property.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection the address of the building inspected, the details of each appliance checked with their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions for fixing the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that are not suitable. If an appliance is considered to be in danger but not immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant may start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and inform tenants that this is a requirement for their safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build an image of an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer will save you time and money in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look around to find 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 certified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well as other equipment, in good condition and allow them to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them face heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a annual gas inspection. However, it is advisable to do more frequent checks when you've been away from your property for a long period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply might have been shut off while the property is unoccupied.
It is crucial to have an up-to-date gas safety report before letting a property. This is so you can give keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances, or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
It's a great idea request your tenant to give you access to their property before any inspection. If they refuse to allow access, you can send them an explanation in a letter of the reason behind access and what's included in the gas safety inspection. 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. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit to rent and possibly facing legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong it could cause a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which would be very bad news for anyone who lives within or around the property.
However, some tenants are unwilling to let these inspections in It's understandable. They might feel it's a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to monitor them or their lifestyles. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally obligated to carry out these inspections, and can only do this only if tenants permit them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be stressful, especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't obtain their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the problem is addressed.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever taken. They may not be able to prove they had carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants haven't kept a copy therefore it's worthwhile to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of conducting an inspection, they may be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant then you should get your landlord's permission immediately.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. what is a gas safety certificate offers them online in a simple and fast process. The certificate is not costly - depending on where you live and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the expenses of renting a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety inspections. However, this is an obligation that is legally required and should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are secure, and you can provide an appropriate certificate should problems arise. Additionally, it will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Be aware that landlords must maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is serious health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without special equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every house, and they should be regularly checked. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test will vary slightly based on the specialist. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may influence the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must also be aware that tenants might refuse to allow access to conduct a verification. This is often due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of snooping. But a well-written letter stating the reason for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to take action to make the inspection mandatory. This can include giving an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant to explain why it's necessary to carry out the gas safety inspection.