Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances are in compliance with the regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues have to be tested annually. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection cycle.
It's a lawful requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are an owner of a single property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could result from infractions. It is also beneficial to have your gas appliances inspected and to display a valid certificate in every property.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, address of the property inspected, details of each appliance with their current status as well as the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and offers suggestions for how to fix the issue. If the engineer finds any unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but isn't immediately hazardous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas safety check which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes attempting multiple times to perform the checks and informing the tenant that this is a requirement to ensure their safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
The landlords must be sure to display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will help to stop tenants from settling in a home that has gas appliances that are unsafe and will also allow potential tenants to look over the records of safety checks. A gas safety certificate will also help you build credibility as an honest landlord. homeowner gas safety certificate will help you attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long term. For example, many gas companies offer a reduced price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea shop around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances that are in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and address issues before they become dangerous and more serious. Regular inspections also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well other equipment, in good working order, allowing them to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them face huge fines or finding 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.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent checks if you have abandoned your home for a long time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply might have been shut off while the property was not being used.
It is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate when you are re-letting a property. This is so you can give the keys to your new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary in the event that the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to grant access to their home prior to any inspection. If they do not agree to allow access, you can send them a letter explaining the reason for access and what's involved in the gas safety check. If they refuse to allow access, you can start the eviction process by sending them the section-21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit for tenancy and could be subject to legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea, to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the way things are going. It's not only a legal requirement but it's also good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong it could cause an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that could be a nightmare for anyone who is in or around the home.
Certain tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is reasonable. They may think it's a violation of their privacy or suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on their activities or habits. Landlords should keep in mind that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections and only do this if tenants allow them access to their homes.
It can be a hassle for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are resistant especially if they have multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and tenants may not be permitted to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. They might not be able to prove that they had carried out the correct inspections if previous tenants didn't keep 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 accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant, it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple procedure. The certificate isn't expensive dependent on where you are and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting out a house, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It will ensure your tenants are secure and you can provide an authentic certificate should any issues arise. It can also save you from costly repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that a landlord must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses serious health risk. This can be caused by faulty gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every home, and they should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is also worth asking about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less well-off regions or remote regions.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants may not allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due the fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to track them. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reason to gain access will convince them to let you in.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take actions. This includes serving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant and explain to them why it's necessary to carry out the gas safety inspection.