Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the rules. Failure to comply could result in fines and harm the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be inspected annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection cycle.
It's a requirement by law
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificate current regardless of whether you're a landlord who has a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of infractions. It is also beneficial to have your gas appliances inspected and show a valid certificate in every home.
The gas safety certificates contain details like the date of inspection, address of the property that was inspected, the details of every appliance, their current condition and the name and ID number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also lists any appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't appropriate for. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but isn't immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access to a safety inspection. This can create problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes making multiple attempts to perform the checks, and inform tenants that this is required for their security. It's also an excellent idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate in each 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. A gas safety certificate will also help you build credibility as a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract can also help you save money and time in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord it is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections will also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well as other equipment, in good working order which will allow them to last longer.
Landlords must have a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections if you have been away from your property for a prolonged period. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply could have been turned off while the property was not being used.
If you are considering letting your property, it's important to have a current gas safety report prior to handing over the keys to the new tenants. how long does gas safety certificate last is also essential to conduct a re-inspection when the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow access to their home prior to any inspection. If they do not agree, you can send a letter explaining the reason behind access and what will be involved in the gas safety inspection. If they still refuse then you can start the eviction process with an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your tenancy deposit and face legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's an ideal idea to schedule annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a thorny issue
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just an official requirement, but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could lead to an extremely dangerous gas-related accident that is a disaster for anyone who is within or around the property.
Certain tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. They may think that it is a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to monitor them or their habits. Landlords need to keep in mind that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so in the event that tenants allow access to their homes.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are recalcitrant especially if they have multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to keep in mind that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate they could face hefty fines and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the issue is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were conducted correctly. It's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they don't provide their tenants with the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. So if you're a tenant, it's best to request one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple process. The cost isn't too expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on where you live and the number of gas appliances checked.
It's affordable
When you think about the cost of renting a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. This will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can give an official certificate in the event that issues occur. It can also assist you avoid expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, which is a serious health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without the use of specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in every property and check them regularly, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check will vary from engineer to engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. It is also worth asking about discounts if you have several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could affect the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords in cities like London are likely to pay more than those who live in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants will not allow access to conduct a check. This is usually due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to spy on them. A carefully written note outlining your motives for gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take action. This can include serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if or not this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain to them why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.