Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that the gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the rules. Failure to do so could result in penalties and could 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.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues have to be tested every year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.
It's an official requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate current regardless of whether you're a landlord with a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or prosecution. It is also beneficial to inspect your gas appliances, and have a valid certificate on each property.
The gas safety certificates contain information such as date of inspection, address of property inspected, details of each appliance along 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 provides suggestions on how to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" in the event of finding appliances that aren't suitable for. If a device is found to be at risk, but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access for a safety check. 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 steps to be in compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to perform the checks, and informing the tenant that this is a requirement for their safety. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords must be sure to display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety checks. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate will help you establish an image of an honest and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring do homeowners need a gas safety certificate is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer will save your time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to shop around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure that the gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and address any issues before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. Additionally regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition, so they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their properties. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's a breeze to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a annual gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent inspections when you've been away from your property for a prolonged period. This is due to the fact that appliances can be altered or the gas supply could have been shut off while the property is unoccupied.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's important to have a current gas safety certificate prior to handing keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required in the event that the older appliances have been used by the tenants or any work has been done on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a great idea request your tenant to give you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant, you can send them a clearly written letter explaining the reason for access and what the gas safety inspections will involve. If they still refuse then you can start the eviction process with the section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You may lose your deposit and face legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to have annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a pain
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. After all, if something goes wrong it could cause an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that is a disaster for anyone living in or around the home.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections It's quite understandable. They might think it's a violation of their privacy or believe that the check might be some sort of ploy to spy on them or their habits. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to carry out these inspections, and they are only able to do so only if tenants permit them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to have to manage tenants who are unreliable particularly if they own multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to be aware that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the problem is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever have to repossess the property. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's a good idea to keep a record in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant it is recommended to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord immediately.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast procedure. The certificate is not expensive depending on where you are and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting out a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. gas safety certificate check is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It ensures your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should any issues arise. Plus, it can aid in avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that landlords must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which is serious health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without the use of specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every house and should be regularly checked. Gas appliances should also be checked regularly.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. It is important to inquire about discounts if you have multiple properties that need to be inspected. gas safe certificate check offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that can influence the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas such as London will likely be required to pay more than those in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants may not be able to grant access for the purpose of a check. This is usually due to the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to track them. However, a carefully worded letter explaining the reasons for access should persuade them to let you in.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can take action to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This includes giving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.