Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with regulations. Failure to comply could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues must be tested every year. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord who has a single property or a rental portfolio. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of not complying. There are also some practical advantages to having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in each property.
A gas safety certificate contains information such as the date of inspection and the address of the property which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance inspected, their current condition, and the name and number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies any appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on how to remove the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't suitable for. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access to a safety inspection. This can cause problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However landlords must take all reasonable steps to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks, and writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should be sure to display a copy gas safety certificate in each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and allow potential future tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. Additionally, a gas safety certificate can help build a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which can 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 money and time in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to look for the lowest price.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your duty to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and address any issues before they become more serious and potentially risky for tenants. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their property. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them face heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It is easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent checks particularly if your home has been left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply may have been shut off while the property was empty.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety certificate before you hand over the keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work was done on the gas system.
It's a great idea request your tenant to give you access to their property before any inspection. If they do not agree then you can write a letter explaining the reason for access and what will be involved in the gas safety inspection. If they do not agree, you can begin the process of eviction with a section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your tenancy deposit and face legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the situation. It's not just a legal requirement but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by experts. If something goes wrong, this could lead to a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or within the building.
Some tenants, however refuse to allow these inspections. This is quite understandable. They might think it's an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to spy on their activities or habits. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obligated to conduct the inspections and must only do it when tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to to manage tenants who are recalcitrant especially if they have multiple properties. However, it's important for mkgassafety landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certification, they risk hefty fines and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also a good 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've conducted the correct inspections if previous tenants haven't kept the certificate and it's a good idea to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's best to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords are required to 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 simple. The cost isn't expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's affordable
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a house. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are safe, and you can provide a valid certificate if any problems arise. It can also help you to avoid future costly repairs.
It is also important to remember that a landlord must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is serious health risk. It can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without special equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It's also worth asking for discounts if you own multiple properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your home. Landlords in cities like London will likely be required to pay more than those who live in less affluent or remote regions.
Landlords must also be aware that some tenants may not be able to grant access to the purpose of a check. This is often due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicions of spying. A carefully composed note describing your reasons for getting access to their house will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord may take actions. This includes sending a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether or not this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.