Do Homeowners Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
There is no legal requirement that homeowners be equipped with a gas safety certification. However, it can help make buyers feel at ease and may even lead to a quicker sale.
It can also detect any heating or gas problems early and save homeowners money by preventing carbon monoxide leaks which could be fatal. Read on to learn more about why homeowners should have a gas safety certificate and how it works.
Legal Requirements
Landlords are legally obliged to get their properties inspected annually, and one of the most important aspects of this is getting the gas safety certificate. This document proves that all the appliances, flues and fittings in a house were inspected by a licensed engineer and that they are safe to use.
The engineer will ensure that all gas appliances are operating properly, that connections are secure and there is adequate ventilation. They will also check for obstructions in flues and make sure that the gas pipes are correctly sized and are free of corrosion. They will also make sure that there is no carbon monoxide emissions and that the flues are not blocked. They will then issue the gas safety certificate, which will contain a list of all the appliances and the dates they were examined.
A homeowner may also wish to have an official gas safety certificate completed, as it will give them peace of mind about the state of their gas appliances and installations within their home. It can also help identify any issues early, which will help avoid accidents and save money.
A prospective buyer of a property may inquire about gas safety records, and this is a good idea if you're thinking of selling your house. This will show the buyer that the gas appliances and installations are in good shape and can help save you money and time.
If a landlord does not get their gas safety certificates in place, they are liable for a fine and could face legal action from tenants or the council. This means that the property is deemed unsafe for human occupancy and could cause accidents or even death.
It's an excellent idea to keep a copy the gas safety certificate for your own records, as you can show it to potential buyers or tenants. This will help you to sell your property and prove that you are concerned about the safety of tenants.
Benefits
Having a gas safety certificate is essential for homeowners and landlords alike. It ensures that all appliances and installations meet the necessary safety requirements and help to keep residents safe from hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning. It also protects landlords from the potential legal penalties for not complying with the regulations.
Landlords who fail to comply with gas safety regulations could be penalized with fines and jail time. Having a valid gas safety certificate can assist in avoiding this, and make renting out property much more straightforward, since prospective tenants are more likely to rent from landlords who have good reputations.
Before making an offer, people looking to purchase a property should check that the current owner holds a valid gas certificate safety. This will assure them that the gas appliances are safe to use, and they will not have to cover expensive repairs after moving in.
Some home insurance policies may require a certificate of gas safety as a requirement to be covered. This is especially for landlords, who may have to show proof that they comply with the gas safety regulations in order to renew or obtain their policy.
Homeowners should ensure that the engineer they choose is Gas Safe registered before having any work carried out on their gas appliances and installations. Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register have completed rigorous tests and are qualified to conduct safety inspections on gas systems. Homeowners should ask their engineer to submit the full report in writing after the inspection has been completed. This will include the list of all the gas appliances and installations that have been inspected, their current status (pass or fail) and any suggested actions to take. It is recommended to get a copy of the certificate for your records. Many of our customers have praised the professional service and speedy turnaround times for their chosen gas safety engineers giving them peace of mind and invaluable assurance that their homes are safe for living in.
Costs
If you're a landlord, obtaining gas safety certificate s isn't only a legal requirement, it's also a crucial investment in your tenants' safety. CP12 certificates are a thorough inspection of your gas appliances to make sure they're safe. They're also a great idea for homeowners, as faulty equipment can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, or even explosions.
The cost of a CP12 certification varies from property to property but typically, it's about PS80. This includes the engineer's cost, an original certificate for you to keep in your files and any work that may require to be done to bring your appliances to the standards of. If you're a landlord, it's a good idea to get quotes from several engineers to find the best price, and be wary of prices that seem too good to be real.
Landlords are responsible for all gas appliances and flues that are in their properties, and the law requires them to carry out an annual inspection by a certified Gas Safe engineer. This helps to ensure that your home is safe for people to reside in, and it will also aid you in avoiding costly fines or even imprisonment in the event that you do not meet the legal requirements.
The cost of an inspection for gas safety depends on a variety of factors, including the number of appliances within the building and their type. Gas appliances are usually fewer in residential homes which lowers the cost. Commercial properties, on the other hand might require an in-depth check, leading to higher expenses. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine your inspections.
The location is a major aspect in determining the price of a certificate. Prices can vary across the UK and are typically higher in areas with higher demand for engineers. Emergency inspections are required if your gas safety certificate is about expire, can be more expensive than regular inspections.
Expiry Date
The annual inspection of your property will not only ensure that you are in compliance with the law, but that your tenants and you remain secure. This is especially important for landlords who rent out their properties. Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances work safely and are accompanied by a valid gas safety certification.
The gas safety inspection is carried out by a fully trained Gas Safe registered engineer who will look at the boiler and flues, and any other gas appliances within the home. Gas safety certificates will indicate any faulty appliances. These are classified as ID (immediate risk), AR (at-risk) or NT(not conforming to current standards). Appliances that are classified as ID require replacement immediately and those rated as AR will require urgent repairs.
Once the engineer has finished the work, you will be provided with a copy of the Gas Safety Record. It must be provided to all existing tenants within 28 days after the service and to any new tenants prior to moving in. Failure to do this could result in fines or, in serious cases, prosecution.
Gas safety checks aren't a statutory requirement for homeowners, however it is strongly recommended to have them completed. This will safeguard homeowners from any potential issues that might arise and give them peace-of-mind that their gas appliances are safe to use. Be aware that some home insurance policies require the use of a valid Gas Safety Certificate.
In some instances, landlords may have difficulties getting access to their property in order to conduct a gas safety inspection. However the tenancy agreement should clearly declare that the landlord has the right to gain access to the property to conduct safety and maintenance checks. Landlords should try to make every effort to gain access, such as repeating their requests and writing to the tenant to explain that gas safety checks are legally required. If none of this fails the tenant may decide to end their contract and get legal advice.