Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Failure to adhere could result in fines and compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues must be inspected annually. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their property, and are forced to follow an inspection that is shorter.
It's a lawful requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate current regardless of whether you're a landlord who has a single property or a rental portfolio. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or prosecution. It is also important to get your gas appliances checked and to display a valid certificate in every home.
The gas safety certificate includes details like the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances which are considered 'unsafe for use' and suggests how to remove the fault. If straight from the source discovers unsafe appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access for a safety check. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. 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 a requirement to ensure their security. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build an image of a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure and safe, but a service agreement can also save you time and money in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to look around and find the best price for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances that are in your property. 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 order and allow them to last longer.
Landlords need to have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them risk heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks in the event that you have abandoned your home for a prolonged period. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's a good idea to perform more frequent gas inspections, particularly if your property has been left empty for a long period of time.
It is crucial to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate when you are re-letting an apartment. This is so that you can hand over keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances, or if any work has been done on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection, it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant you access to the property. If they do not agree to allow access, you can send them an email explaining the reason behind access and what will be involved during the gas safety inspection. If they continue to refuse, you can start the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21.
When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to make sure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't have one, you risk losing your deposit to rent and could be subject to legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a thorny issue
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the way things are going. It's not just a legal requirement, but it's also good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone living in or around the building.
Some tenants, however aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on or track them. Landlords need to remember that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections and only do this when tenants permit access to their homes.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating, especially for landlords with multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be fined a lot, and tenants may not be permitted to move into the property until the issue is solved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's a good idea to keep a record in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't provide their tenants with the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant then you should ask your landlord for one as soon as possible.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick process. The cost isn't too expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on where you live and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a house. However, it is an obligation that is legally required and should not be omitted. This ensures that your tenants are protected and you can give a valid certificate if any problems occur. It can also assist you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without the use of specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every property, and they should be checked regularly. Gas appliances also need to be inspected.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords may differ from engineer to engineer. However, it is possible to find a good price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It is important to inquire about discounts if you have several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that certain tenants may refuse to allow access for the purpose of a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of intruding of their privacy or suspicion of snooping. However, a carefully worded letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take action. This can include serving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant and explain to them why it is necessary to conduct a gas safety check.