Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Infractions could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be tested every year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their property, and are compelled to take on an inspection that is shorter.
It's a legal requirement
If you're a landlord who has one property or several rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could result from not complying. It is also important to get your gas appliances checked and have a valid certificate on every home.
The gas safety certificates contain details like the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status as well as the name and ID number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If a device is found to be at risk but isn't immediately dangerous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant could begin to get strained. However, landlords must take all reasonable steps to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate will help you establish a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which will bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop for the lowest price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of all gas appliances that are in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Regular inspections can also assist in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment, in good working order which will allow them to last for longer.
Landlords must possess a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's not difficult to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks in the event that you have abandoned your home for a long time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's a good idea have more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been empty for a long time.
It is crucial to have a current gas safety report before letting an apartment. This is so that you can transfer the keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances or any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection it is an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they do not agree, you can send an email explaining the reason for access and what will be included in the gas safety check. If they are still refusing then you can start the eviction process with an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. 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 recommended to schedule regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections There are many who aren't happy with the situation. It's not just a legal requirement, but it's also good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances which have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone living in or within the building.
But some tenants refuse to let these inspections in, which is understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on or track them. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obliged to carry out these inspections, and are only able to do so if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are unreliable, especially if they own 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 issue has been dealt with.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. They may not be able to prove they've carried out the correct inspections if previous tenants haven't kept a copy and it's a good idea to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant then it is best to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and easy. The certificate isn't expensive - depending on where you live and the number of appliances examined, it will cost between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are safe, and you can provide an appropriate certificate should issues occur. Additionally, it will aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every house and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. It's important to inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may affect the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who live in cities like London are likely to pay more than those living in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants will not allow access to conduct a verification. This is typically due to the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to spy on them. However, a carefully worded letter explaining the reasons to gain access will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This includes serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.