Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances are in compliance with the regulations and are safe. Failure to do so could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework as well as appliances and flues checked each year. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection time.
It's an official 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 up to date. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are also some practical advantages for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate posted at every location.
A gas safety certification contains details such as the date of inspection the address of the house which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance checked with their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also lists any appliances which are considered 'unsafe for use' and suggests how to remove the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't appropriate for. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger but isn't immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access for a safety check. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. However landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes attempting multiple times to perform the checks, and informing the tenant that this is required for their security. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy their gas safety certificate at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to look up the history of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you build an image of an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look for the best price.
It's a great idea
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and fix problems before they become dangerous and serious. Additionally, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their properties. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, landlord gas safety certificate uk to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and making an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent checks particularly if your home was left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply may have been shut off while the property was empty.
If you are considering letting your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety report before you can hand over the keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or any work was done on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection it's recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to allow access to the property. If they're hesitant you can mail an unambiguously written letter stating the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the eviction procedure with an official notice under section 21.
When it comes to gas safety, your primary responsibility is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. landlord gas safety certificate uk could lose your deposit and be subject to legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the situation. It's not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could lead to a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or around the building.
Certain tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is reasonable. They might feel it's a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to observe them or their lifestyles. Landlords should be aware that they are under an obligation under law to conduct these inspections and can only do so in the event that tenants allow access to their homes.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are unreliable particularly if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to be aware that if they don't get their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the problem is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever have to repossess the property. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were conducted correctly. It's a good idea to keep a record in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of conducting an inspection, they can be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant, it is recommended to get your landlord's permission immediately.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a house. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can produce an official certificate in the event that there are any issues. Plus, it can aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health hazard. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and to check them frequently, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check will vary slightly based on the specialist. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It is important to inquire about discounts if you have multiple properties that must 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 who live in metropolitan areas such as London will likely have to pay more than those in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must also be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due the fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to track them. However, a carefully written letter explaining the reasons for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to decide to make the inspection mandatory. This could include the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The most effective thing for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.