Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with regulations. Failure to adhere could result in fines and compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipes 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 essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are a landlord with a single property or a rental portfolio. Inability to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. There are also some practical advantages to having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed at every location.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, address of the property which was inspected, information about every appliance, their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also identifies any appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to remove the fault. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger but not immediately, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access for a safety check. This can create problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This should include making several attempts to carry out the checks and then writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should be sure to have a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to view the records of safety checks. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish credibility as a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure and safe, but a service agreement will also save you time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts 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 is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and fix problems before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition, so they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their property. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who don't have them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections especially if your property has been left empty for a prolonged period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been left empty for a long period of time.
If you are considering letting your property, it's important to have a current gas safety report before you can hand keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or any work has been done on the gas system.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow access to their property prior to any inspection. If they do not agree, you can send a letter explaining the reason for access and the steps involved during the gas safety inspection. If they still refuse then you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's always 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 gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It's not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong it could cause an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that is a disaster for anyone who lives in or around the home.
Certain tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is understandable. They might think it's an infringement of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on them or their lifestyles. However, landlords must keep in mind that they are legally bound to carry out the inspections and are only able to do so if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that in the event that their gas safety certification is not obtained, they may face heavy fines, and tenants may not be allowed to move into the house until the issue is solved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able to prove the inspections were done correctly. It's worth having an evidence in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they could be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, it's best to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The cost isn't expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, dependent on where you live and how many gas appliances are tested.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. However, this is an obligation that is legally required and should not be ignored. It will ensure your tenants are safe and you can provide an official certificate in the event that any issues arise. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a serious health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that cannot be detected without specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords will vary from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. You can inquire about discounts if there are several properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your house. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas such as London will likely be required to pay more than those living in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must also be aware that tenants might not allow access to conduct a security check. This is typically due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to track them. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reasons to gain access will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take action. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.