Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be inspected annually. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties, and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection cycle.
It's an obligation of the law
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are a landlord who has a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could result from not complying. It is also advisable to have your gas appliances inspected and have a valid certificate on each property.
A gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection and the address of the building that was inspected, the information of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions for fixing the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" in the event of finding appliances that aren't appropriate for. If the appliance is deemed to be at risk but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access for a safety check. This can create problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However landlords are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to perform the checks and then writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and permit potential tenants to see the record 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, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe Registered Engineer can save you money and time in the long term. how often gas safety certificate offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to look around to find the best price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and correct issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords need to have a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been left empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's recommended to conduct more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been vacant for a long time.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's important to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you hand over the keys to new tenants. It is also essential to conduct a re-inspection if the old appliances were taken by tenants or if any work has been done on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before any inspection it's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to grant access to the property. If they refuse, you can send an email explaining the reason for access and what will be included in the gas safety inspection. If they don't want to go through the process to allow access, you can start the eviction process by sending them the section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you could risk losing your tenancy deposit and potentially face legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea, to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a thorny issue
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the way things are going. It's not only a legal requirement but it's also good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which could be a nightmare for anyone who lives in or around the property.
Certain tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is quite understandable. Some tenants may feel that it's an invasion of privacy, or think that the inspection is an attempt to snoop on or track them. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally bound to conduct the inspections and must only do it only if tenants permit them access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant especially if they have multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that in the event that their gas safety certification is not obtained, they could be penalized with heavy fines, and tenants may not be allowed to move into the house until the issue is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever have to repossess the property. They may not be able prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep the certificate, so it's worth keeping an archive in case of need.
If a landlord does not provide 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 are a tenant it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as you can.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
You may not think of gas safety checks when you are considering the costs of renting a property. Yet this is an essential legal requirement that should not be ignored. It ensures your tenants are safe and you can produce an official certificate in the event that any problems arise. Additionally, it will save you from expensive repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can 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 can't be detected without specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check can vary a bit depending on the technician. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. You can inquire about discounts if there are several properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your home is another factor that could influence the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords living in metropolitan areas such as London are likely to pay more than those living in less affluent or remote regions.
Landlords should be aware that tenants will refuse to let access to conduct a security check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of spying. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind getting access to their house should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord can take action to make the inspection mandatory. This could include sending a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if or not this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is required.