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. Failure to adhere could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be inspected annually. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspections.
It's a lawful requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date, whether you are a landlord who has a single property or a rental portfolio. Inability to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are other practical benefits of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate posted in each property.
The gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property inspected, details of every appliance, their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances considered unsafe to use and gives suggestions for fixing the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't suitable for. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas security check, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant can be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks and notifying tenants that this is required to ensure their safety. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords should also make sure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into homes with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish an image of an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract will also save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop around to find the most affordable price.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and fix problems before they become dangerous and more serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order which means they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It is easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent checks particularly if your home has been empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's a good idea to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been empty for a prolonged period.
It is essential to have a current gas safety report before letting the property. This is to ensure that you can hand over the keys to your new tenants. It is also essential to conduct a re-inspection in the event that the old appliances were taken by tenants or work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before conducting any inspections it is a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they're not willing you can mail an unambiguously written letter stating why access is needed and what the gas safety checks will entail. If they still refuse then you can start the eviction process with a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea, to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections for landlords. It is not only an official requirement, but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by a professional. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone in or within the building.
Some tenants, however refuse to allow these inspections. This is quite understandable. They may think it's an infringement of their privacy or believe that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to monitor them or their habits. Landlords should remember that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do this in the event that tenants allow access to their properties.
Being faced with angry tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords with multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that in the event that their gas safety certification is not obtained, they could be penalized with heavy fines and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the problem is solved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. They might not be able prove they've carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants haven't kept the certificate and it's a good idea to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's best to get one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple process. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate, depending on where you live and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's affordable
When you think about the cost of renting out a house, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement that shouldn't be ignored. It ensures your tenants are protected and you can produce an authentic certificate should any issues arise. It also helps you avoid expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which is serious health danger. It is caused by defective fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without specialized equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety certificate landlord safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the specialist. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if you have multiple properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could influence the cost of a safety check. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less well-off regions or remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants may not be able to grant access for the purpose of a check. This is typically due to fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to track them. However, a carefully worded letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to let you in.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This could include serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain to them why it's essential to conduct an inspection of gas safety.