Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances comply with the regulations and are safe. Infractions could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be tested every year. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspections.
It's an official requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate current, whether you are a landlord who has one property or a rental portfolio. Failure to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are other benefits for having your gas appliances checked and a valid certification displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, address of the property which was inspected, information about every appliance, their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and gives suggestions on how to fix the fault. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas safety check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable steps to be in compliance. This includes attempting multiple times to conduct the checks and informing the tenant that this is a requirement for their safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords must also display a copy their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and allow potential future tenants to see the record of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish an image of an honest landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only make sure that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract can also save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop around to find the best price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances in your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and correct issues before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them face huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's not difficult to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for Mkgassafety an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections particularly if your home was left empty for an extended period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's a good idea have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been left empty for a long period of time.
When you decide to let your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report prior to handing over the keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances, or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to allow access to their property prior to any inspection. If they refuse then you can write a letter explaining the reason behind access and the steps included in the gas safety check. If they continue to refuse, you can start the eviction process with a section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you could risk losing your tenancy deposit and could be subject to legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's always an ideal idea to schedule annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
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 also makes good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone who lives in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. Some tenants may feel that it is an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection could be a ploy to spy or track them. Landlords should keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do this when tenants permit access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to to manage tenants who are recalcitrant, especially if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to be aware that if they don't get their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the issue has been dealt with.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever repossessed. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were done correctly. It's worth keeping a record in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 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. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and simple. The certificate is not expensive depending on where you are and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting out a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety checks. However, it is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It ensures your tenants are safe and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that there are any issues. It can also aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without special equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property, and they should be regularly checked. Gas appliances must also be checked regularly.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test can vary a bit depending on the engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and looking at estimates. It is important to inquire for discounts if you own multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
The location of your home is another factor that could affect the cost of a security check. Landlords who live in cities like London will likely be required to pay more than those living in less affluent or remote regions.
Landlords should be aware of the possibility that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a security check. This is usually due the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to spy on them. However, a carefully worded letter explaining the reasons to gain access will convince them to let you in.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can decide to make the inspection mandatory. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The most effective way for the landlord do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is necessary.