Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. Infractions could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework and appliances checked every year. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are 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 other practical advantages for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certification displayed in each property.
A gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection and the address of the house which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on how to remove the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that are not suitable. If the appliance is deemed to be at risk, but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas security inspection which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may start to become problematic. However landlords must take every reasonable step to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is a requirement to ensure their security. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords must also ensure that they display a copy gas safety certificate in each property. This will help to stop tenants from settling in a home with unsafe gas appliances and will also allow potential tenants to look over the records of safety checks. In addition, a gas safety certificate can help build an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which could attract more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that 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 run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of all gas appliances in your property. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and address any issues before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Regular inspections will also help keep gas boilers, as well as other equipment in good working condition which will allow them to last longer.
Landlords must have a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and making an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a annual gas inspection. However it is recommended to do more frequent checks when you've left your property empty for a long period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply may have been shut off while the property is unoccupied.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you hand over the keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the older appliances have been used by tenants or if any work has been done on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to grant you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they do not agree to allow access, you can send them an explanation in a letter of the reason for access and what will be included in the gas safety check. If they refuse, you can begin the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it is about gas safety, your most important responsibility is to make sure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy 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 avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the way things are going. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by a professional. If gas safety certificate replacement goes wrong, this could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone living in or within the building.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is reasonable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on or track them. But landlords need to bear in mind that they are legally obligated to carry out these inspections, and they can only do this when tenants allow them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be a hassle particularly for landlords who own multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be penalized with heavy fines and tenants might not be allowed to move into the house until the issue is resolved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. They might not be able to prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep the certificate and it's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they don't provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. So if you're a tenant, you should try 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. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast process. The certificate is not costly dependent on where you're located and the number of appliances tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting out a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. It ensures your tenants are safe and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that any issues arise. It also helps you avoid expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should keep their appliances, pipework and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in every property and check them regularly as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check will vary from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It's important to inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could influence the cost of a safety check. Landlords in urban areas like London will likely be required to pay more than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants may not be able to grant access to the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind getting access to their home should convince them.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to take action to make the inspection mandatory. This could include giving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best thing for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is required.