Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances are in compliance with the regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could result in fines and compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework and appliances tested each year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to follow an inspection that is shorter.
It's a lawful requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord who has one property or a portfolio of rental properties. Failure to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are also some practical benefits for having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection, the address of the building that was inspected, the information of each appliance checked with their current condition, and the name and number of the engineer who performed the survey. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to remove the fault. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas safety check which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may begin to get strained. However landlords are required to take every reasonable step to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This can help prevent tenants from moving into a house that has gas appliances that are unsafe and can also permit potential tenants to review the results of the safety checks. In addition the gas safety certificate can help build an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which can bring in more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is safe however, a service contract can also save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances in your property are safe. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and fix any problems before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections can also help keep gas boilers, as well other equipment, in good condition, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords must have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their property. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe 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 in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent check-ups, especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas inspection, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been empty for a long period of time.
It is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before letting the property. This is to ensure that you can transfer 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 great idea to ask your tenant to grant access to their home prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant you can mail them a strongly worded letter stating why access is needed and what the gas safety checks will involve. If they are still refusing then you can start the eviction process with the section 21 notice.
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 your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's always recommended to schedule annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the situation. It's not only a legal requirement, but it's also good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances which have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that could be a nightmare for anyone who lives in or around the property.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is quite understandable. They may think 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 habits. However, landlords must keep in mind that they are legally bound to carry out the inspections and must only do it when tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to to deal with tenants who are unreliable particularly if they own multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't obtain their gas safety certificate they could face hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the issue has been dealt with.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you have to ever repossess the property. They might not be able to prove that they had carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep the certificate, so it's worth keeping an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't give their tenants an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant then you should get your landlord's permission immediately.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The certificate is not expensive dependent on where you are and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
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 should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide an appropriate certificate should problems arise. It can also aid in avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords should keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a serious health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. Ask about how often gas safety certificate if there are several properties to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your house. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less affluent or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants may not be able to grant access for the purpose of a check. This is often due to tenants' fear of being invaded of privacy or suspicions of snooping. A carefully worded note explaining your reasons for getting access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This can include giving an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant to explain why it is necessary to conduct the gas safety inspection.