Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to do so could result in penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be tested annually. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to follow an inspection that is shorter.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date regardless of whether you're an owner of a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of infractions. There are also some practical advantages of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certification displayed at every location.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, the address of the property that was inspected, the details of each appliance along with their current status and the name and ID number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies appliances considered unsafe to use and provides suggestions for how to fix the issue. If the engineer finds any unsafe 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 are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas security inspection which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can begin to get strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is required to ensure their safety. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords should also ensure that they display a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties with unsafe gas appliances, and allow potential future tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build credibility as a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer will save you time and money in the long in the long. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop around to find the best price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it is 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 fix any problems before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. Additionally regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their home. Without these certificates, landlords could face hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks if you have been away from your property for a long period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply might have been shut off while the property was empty.
It is essential to have a current gas safety report when re-letting an apartment. This is so you can give keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work has been done on the gas system.
It's a great idea to request your tenant to give you access to their home prior to any inspection. If they don't agree to allow access, you can send them an explanation in a letter of the reason behind access and the steps included in the gas safety inspection. If they don't want to go through the process to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with a section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. 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. To avoid this, it's a good idea to have annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a hassle
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the situation. It is not only an official requirement, but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by a professional. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that would be very bad news for anyone who is in or around the home.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is reasonable. They might think it's an infringement of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to observe them or their lifestyles. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to conduct these inspections, and can only do this when tenants allow them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle especially for landlords with multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that in the event that their gas safety certification is not obtained, they may be penalized with heavy fines and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the problem is addressed.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever repossessed. If the previous tenants don't have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth keeping an archive in case of need.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant, then it is best to ask your landlord for one as soon as possible.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast process. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
When you think about the expenses of renting out a house it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are safe and you can provide an authentic certificate should there are any issues. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health hazard. It can be caused by faulty fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every home and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances also need to be inspected.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It's also worth asking about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections together.
The location of your property is another factor that could influence the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that some tenants might not allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to track them. A carefully worded note explaining your motives for gaining access to their home will convince them.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to take action to make the inspection mandatory. This could include sending a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The best way for the landlord do is to communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.