Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. In the absence of this, it could result in penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework as well as appliances and flues examined every year. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their properties and are compelled to take on an inspection that is shorter.
It's a lawful requirement
If you're a property owner with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates current. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of infractions. It is also advisable to get your gas appliances checked and show a valid certificate in every home.
A gas safety certification contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the house which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance inspected, their current status, as well as the name and number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also lists any appliances that are deemed to be unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If an engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be at risk, but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas safety inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant can start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable steps to be in compliance. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into a house with unsafe gas appliances and also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of the safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you build an image of an honest landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with a Gas Safe Registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long in the long. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop for the lowest price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and address any issues before they become more serious and risky for tenants. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order which means they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the Gas Safety Certificate Landlord appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords could face massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's simple to get a 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 conduct more frequent checks when you've left your property empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, however it's a good idea conduct more frequent checks, especially if your property has been vacant for a long time.
If you are considering letting your home, it is essential to have a current gas safety report before you can hand keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection, it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they're hesitant, you can send them a strongly worded letter stating why access is needed and what the gas safety inspections will involve. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21.
When it is about gas safety, your most important responsibility is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you risk losing your tenancy deposit and possibly facing legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea, to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It's not just an official requirement, but it is also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by a professional. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or within the building.
Some tenants, however do not want to be inspected. This is understandable. They might feel it's a violation of their privacy or suspect that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to monitor them or their lifestyles. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to conduct these inspections, and they are only able to do so if the tenants grant them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the issue is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever repossessed. They may not be able to prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept copies therefore it's worthwhile to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they do not provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you're a tenant, you should try to request one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick process. The cost isn't too expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on where you live and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's not expensive
You may not think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a house. This is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure your tenants are protected and you can provide a valid certificate in case any problems arise. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that a landlord must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. This is caused by defective gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that cannot be detected without specialist equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the technician. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It's also worth asking about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer deals when you bundle inspections together.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less affluent regions or remote regions.
Landlords should also be aware that tenants will refuse to allow access to conduct a security check. This is usually due to a fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to monitor them. A carefully written note outlining your reasons for gaining access to their home will convince them.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to decide to enforce the inspection. This includes giving an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The most effective way for the landlord do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is necessary.