Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances are in compliance with the regulations and are safe. Infractions could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipework, appliances and flues examined annually. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection period.
It's a legal requirement
If you're a property owner with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates current. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of not complying. It is also important to have your gas appliances inspected, and show a valid certificate in every home.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, address of property inspected, details of each appliance with their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed to be unsafe for use' and suggests how to remove the fault. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If landlord gas safety certificate how often is deemed to be at risk but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access for a gas safety check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could be strained. However, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks and notifying tenants that this is required to ensure their safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords must also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and allow potential future tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate will help you establish a reputation for being a responsible and professional landlord, which will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract will also save you time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to look for the best price.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all gas appliances that are in your property. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and fix any problems before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Regular inspections will aid in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment, in good working condition, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not have them are subject to massive fines or may find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It is easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and making an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum required under 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. This is because appliances can be altered or the gas supply may be shut off when the property was empty.
When you decide to let your home, it is essential to have a current gas safety report prior to handing keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the old appliances were taken by tenants or work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a great idea to request your tenant to give you access to their property before any inspection. If they don't agree, you can send an email explaining the reason behind access and what's included in the gas safety check. If they refuse to allow access, you can start the eviction procedure with the section-21 notice.
When it concerns gas safety, your primary responsibility is to make sure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit for tenancy and possibly facing legal action from your 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 an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
Not everyone is happy about the landlord gas safety inspections. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by professionals. In the event that something goes wrong it could result in an extremely dangerous gas-related accident that would be very bad news for anyone who lives in or around the property.
Some tenants will not let these inspections in This is quite understandable. They might feel that it is a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to observe them or their habits. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally obliged to conduct these inspections, and can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could face heavy fines and tenants may not be allowed to move into the house until the problem is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you have to ever repossess the property. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were done correctly. It's worth having an archive in case of need.
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 charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, it's best to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The certificate is not costly - depending on where you're located and the number of appliances tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
You may not think of gas security checks when you think about the cost of renting a house. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. It ensures your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should any issues arise. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is an extremely dangerous health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every house, and they should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be inspected.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords can vary a bit depending on the technician. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could influence the cost of a safety check. Landlords living in metropolitan areas such as London are likely to pay more than those in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords should be aware that certain tenants may not be able to grant access for the purpose of a check. This is typically due to a fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to monitor them. But a well-written letter stating the reasons for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to decide to make the inspection mandatory. This can include giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain why it's essential to conduct a gas safety check.