A Guide To Gas Safety Certificate Landlord From Start To Finish
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 compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipework, appliances and flues checked annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. Failure to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are other benefits to having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate posted in each property.
A gas safety certificate contains information such as the date of inspection the address of the building that was inspected, the information of each appliance inspected, their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and gives suggestions for how to fix the issue. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If a device is found to be at risk, but isn't immediately dangerous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access for a gas safety inspection which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can start to become problematic. However landlords must take all reasonable steps to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks and inform tenants that this is a requirement for their security. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
The landlords must also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This can help prevent tenants from moving into a property that has gas appliances that are unsafe and can also permit potential tenants to review the results of the safety checks. In addition, a gas safety certificate will help you establish a reputation for being a responsible and professional landlord, which could draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe and safe, but a service agreement can also save you time and money in the long run. For example, many gas companies offer a reduced price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look around to find the best price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and fix any problems before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good condition which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their property. Without these certificates, landlords could face huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy 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 under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent checks especially if your property has been empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, but it's a good idea perform more frequent gas inspections, particularly if your property has been left empty for a long time.
When it comes to re-letting your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate before you can hand over the keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required in the event that the older appliances have been used by the tenants or any work has been done on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a good idea to request your tenant to give access to their home prior to any inspection. If they're not willing, you can send an unambiguously written letter stating the reason for access and what the gas safety inspections will entail. If they still refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it concerns gas safety, your primary obligation is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your deposit and face legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's 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 hassle
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances which are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is understandable. They might feel that it is a violation of their privacy or believe that the inspection could be an attempt to monitor them or their lifestyles. Landlords should 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 stressful especially for landlords who own multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may face heavy fines and tenants might not be allowed to move into the house until the issue is resolved.
Keep gas safety certificate grace period of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. They may not be able prove they've carried out the correct inspections if previous tenants haven't kept a copy, so it's worth keeping the certificate in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't give their tenants a copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant, then you should ask your landlord for one immediately.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast procedure. The certificate isn't expensive - depending on where you live and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the cost of renting out a house 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. It ensures your tenants are secure and you can provide an authentic certificate should any problems arise. Plus, it can save you from expensive repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that cannot be detected without the use of specialist 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 a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It is important to inquire about discounts if there are several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections together.
The location of your property is another factor that can affect the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less affluent or in remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants may refuse to allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicions of snooping. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind getting access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord can take actions. This could include a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The most effective way for the landlord do is contact the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.