Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the regulations and are safe. Infractions could lead to fines and may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is a legal requirement to have your gas pipework as well as appliances and flues examined each year. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection time.
It's a lawful requirement
If you're a landlord who has one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of not complying. There are also some practical benefits of having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection, the address of the house which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance inspected, their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe for use' and suggests ways to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that are not suitable. If the appliance is found to be at risk but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access to a safety check. This can create problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This should include making several attempts to conduct the checks and then writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords must also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into a property with unsafe gas appliances and also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish an image of an honest landlord. This will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only make sure that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract can also save you time and money in the long run. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop for the lowest price.
It's a great idea
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and correct any issues before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Regular inspections can aid in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment in good working condition which will allow them to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have 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 is easy to obtain 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 conduct more frequent inspections particularly if your home has been left empty for a long period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply could be shut off when the property is unoccupied.
When it comes to re-letting your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate prior to handing keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work was done on the gas system.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to grant access to their home prior to any inspection. If they're hesitant, you can send an unambiguously written letter stating the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they still refuse then you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your most important responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You may lose your deposit and face legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is happy with the situation. It is not only an official requirement, but it is also a good idea make sure that tenants use 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 in or within the building.
Some tenants will not allow access for these inspections, which is understandable. They might feel that it is a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check might be an attempt to spy on them or their lifestyles. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obliged to carry out the inspections and can only do this only if tenants permit them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to to manage tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may be penalized with heavy fines, and tenants may not be permitted to move into the house until the issue is solved.
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 of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth having an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they do not provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you are a tenant, then it is best to get your landlord's permission immediately.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and easy. The cost isn't too expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an appropriate certificate should issues arise. It can also aid in avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords are required to keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. look at this now can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that isn't detectable without the use of specialist 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 the gas safety inspection for landlords can vary a bit depending on the specialist. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and looking at estimates. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
The location of your home is another factor that could affect the cost of a security check. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords should be aware of the possibility that tenants will refuse to allow access to conduct a check. This is usually due to fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to spy on them. A carefully worded note explaining the reasons behind gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This can include giving an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain why it is necessary to conduct the gas safety inspection.