Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances are in compliance 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.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipes, appliances and flues examined each year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.
It's an obligation of the law
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate 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 result from infractions. There are other practical benefits of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certification displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status as well as the name and ID number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies appliances which are considered 'unsafe for use' and suggests ways to eliminate the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that aren't suitable for. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but isn't immediately hazardous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may 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 making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords must also make sure that they display a copy gas safety certificate at each property. This will help to prevent tenants from moving into a house with gas appliances that are unsafe. It will also allow potential tenants to view the record of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish an image of a responsible landlord. This will help you 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 time and money in the long in the long. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop around to find the most affordable price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and address issues before they become dangerous and serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order, so they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords are required by law to have an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their properties. Without these certificates, landlords risk massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent check-ups especially if your property was left empty for an extended period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, however it's a good idea perform more frequent gas checks, especially if your property has been vacant for a long period of time.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety report before you hand keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances, or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before conducting any inspections it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they do not agree, you can send an email explaining the reason for access and what's involved during the gas safety inspection. If they still refuse then you can start the eviction process by sending them the section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action from 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 check by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
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's not just a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or within the building.
Certain tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is reasonable. Some tenants might feel it is an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection is a ploy to spy or track them. Landlords should remember that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and only do it when tenants permit access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to be aware that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate they could face hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the problem is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. They might not be able prove they've carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants didn't keep copies, so it's worth keeping a record just 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 could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, it's recommended to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as possible.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and easy. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's affordable
You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you are considering the cost of renting a home. This is a legal requirement that shouldn't be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are protected, and you can provide an official certificate in the event that problems arise. It can also assist you avoid expensive 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 an extremely dangerous health danger. It is caused by defective gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that can't be detected without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property and checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked regularly.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. It is important to inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may affect the cost of a safety check. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less affluent regions or remote areas.
certificate cost should also be aware that tenants may refuse to let access to conduct a security check. This is usually due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to monitor them. But a well-written letter stating the reasons for access should persuade them to let you in.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This could include serving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether or not this is reasonable. The most effective thing for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is necessary.