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. Infractions could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipes as well as appliances and flues tested each year. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties and are compelled to take on an inspection that is shorter.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are an owner of a single property or a rental portfolio. Failure to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. There are other advantages to having your gas appliances checked and a valid certificate displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to remove the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that aren't appropriate for. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to carry out the checks and then writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also recommended to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy their gas safety certificates at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into homes with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety checks. Furthermore having a gas safety certification will help to build a reputation for being a responsible and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring that Gas safety certificate is safe, having 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 discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea shop around and find the best price for you.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and address issues before they become dangerous and more serious. Regular inspections can also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well other equipment in good working order which will allow them to last for longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their property. Without these certificates, landlords risk huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent check-ups particularly if your home has been left empty for a long period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was not being used.
It's essential to have a current gas safety report when re-letting a property. gas safety certificate landlord is so that you can give keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required in the event that the older appliances have been used by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a great idea to ask your tenant to allow you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they refuse then you can write an email explaining the reason behind access and what will be included in the gas safety check. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
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. If you don't have one, you risk losing your tenancy deposit and potentially face legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's recommended to schedule annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a pain
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is happy with the situation. It's not just an official requirement, but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by experts. After all, if something goes wrong, it could lead to 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 reasonable. Some tenants might feel it is an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection is an attempt to snoop on or monitor them. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally bound to conduct these inspections, and they must only do it if the tenants grant them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be stressful, especially for landlords who own multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't get their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever taken. They may not be able to prove that they've carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants haven't kept the certificate and it's a good idea to keep a record just 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 can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, you should try to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and easy. The certificate is not costly dependent on where you're located and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the cost of renting a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety checks. But this is an obligation that is legally required and should not be omitted. It ensures your tenants are safe and you are able to provide a valid certificate in case any problems arise. It can also assist you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Be aware that landlords must keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health hazard. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and looking at estimates. Consider discounts if you are several properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may influence the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who live in cities like London will likely be required to pay more than those who live in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants will refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is often due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicions of snooping. However, a carefully written letter stating the reasons for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can take action to make the inspection mandatory. This includes giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.