Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is a legal requirement to have your gas pipework, appliances and flues checked annually. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspections.
It's a lawful requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're an owner of a single property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could result from failing to comply. There are also some practical advantages for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about every appliance, their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on how to remove the fault. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access for a gas safety inspection which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may start to become problematic. However landlords must make every effort to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks, and inform tenants that this is a requirement for their security. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the Tenancy agreement.
Landlords should be sure to display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into a house with gas appliances that are unsafe. It will also allow potential tenants to view the record of safety checks. In addition having a gas safety certification will help to build a reputation for being a responsible and professional landlord, which will bring in more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only make sure that your gas equipment is safe however, a service contract can also save you money and time in the long term. For instance, a lot of gas companies offer a reduced price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the most affordable price for you.
gas safe installation certificate 's a great idea
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and fix problems before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their properties. Without these certificates, landlords risk massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's not difficult to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and making an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent check-ups, especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, however it's a good idea have more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been left empty for a prolonged period.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's important to have a current gas safety certificate prior to handing keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances, or if any work was done on the gas system.
Before any inspection it's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they are reluctant you can mail an unambiguously written letter explaining the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they still refuse, you can start the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it is about gas safety, your primary obligation is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's recommended 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
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not happy with the situation. It's not just a legal requirement, but it's also good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or within the building.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections It's reasonable. Some tenants might feel it is an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection is an attempt to snoop on or track them. Landlords need to remember that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and can only do so when tenants permit access to their properties.
It can be difficult for landlords to have to manage tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to be aware that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification, they risk hefty fines and tenants may not be permitted to move in until the issue is addressed.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were conducted correctly. It's a good idea to keep an evidence in case.
If a landlord fails to provide 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, it's best to request one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and simple. The price isn't too costly either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a property. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. This will ensure that your tenants are safe and you can give an appropriate certificate should problems arise. Plus, it can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords should maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without special equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords will vary from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own multiple properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your home. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will be required to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less affluent or in remote regions.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants might not allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of privacy or suspicions of spying. But a well-written letter stating the reasons for access should persuade them to let you in.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to decide to enforce the inspection. This can include giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant to explain why it's necessary to carry out an inspection of gas safety.