Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Infractions could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be tested annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties and are forced into an inspection that is shorter.
It's an obligation of the law
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate current, whether you are a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties. Failure to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. It is also beneficial to get your gas appliances checked and to have a valid certificate on every home.
A gas safety certification contains information like the date of inspection the address of the building inspected, the details of each appliance that was inspected with their current condition, and the name and number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed to be unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to remove the fault. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be at risk but isn't immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access to a safety inspection. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This should include making several attempts to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and will allow prospective tenants to see the record of safety checks. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate will help to build a reputation for being a responsible and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure and safe, but a service agreement can also save you money and time in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop for the lowest price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and address issues before they become dangerous and more serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way 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. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply could have been turned off while the property is unoccupied.
If you are considering letting your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate before you hand keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances, or if any work has been done on the gas system.
Before any inspection it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to allow you access to the property. If they are reluctant to give access, you can write them a clearly written letter stating the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will entail. If they do not agree, you can begin the eviction procedure with a section-21 notice.
When it concerns gas safety, your primary obligation is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's a good idea to have regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
Some aren't happy with the landlord gas safety inspections. It is not only an official requirement, but it is also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by a professional. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that could be a nightmare for anyone who lives in or around the property.
But some tenants refuse to permit access to these inspections This is quite understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of privacy, or think that the inspection could be a ploy to spy or monitor them. Landlords must keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do it when tenants permit access to their property.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be stressful particularly for landlords with 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 might not be allowed to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were conducted correctly. It's a good idea to keep an evidence in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they may 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 are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. gas safety certificate how often can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and easy. The cost isn't too expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, depending on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are tested.
It's not expensive
You probably don't think about gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a home. This is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. This will ensure that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide an appropriate certificate should issues occur. It can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that can't be detected without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every property and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be inspected.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will have to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less affluent regions or in remote regions.
Landlords should also be aware that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This includes giving an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant and explain why it's essential to conduct the gas safety inspection.