Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be tested annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspections.
It's a requirement by law
If you're a landlord who has one property or several 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 also some practical advantages to having your gas appliances checked and a valid certification displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificates contain details such as the date of inspection, address of property which was inspected, information about every appliance, their current status and the name and ID number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also lists any appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on ways to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" in the event of finding appliances that aren't appropriate for. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access for a gas safety check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may start to become problematic. However, landlords must make every effort to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to conduct the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the lease agreement.
The landlords must also make sure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and allow potential future tenants to look up the history of safety checks. Additionally, a gas safety certificate can help build an image of an honest and professional landlord, which could bring in 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 time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look for the best price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It is easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent checks particularly if your home has been empty for an extended period of time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply could be shut off when the property was not being used.
It is crucial to have a current gas safety report before letting the property. This is to ensure that you can transfer keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection it is an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to allow you access to the property. If they are reluctant to give access, you can write them a clearly written letter stating the reason for access and what the gas safety inspections will involve. If they refuse to comply, you can initiate the eviction process by sending them the section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must carry a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit for tenancy and possibly facing legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. 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 current.
It's a pain
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by a professional. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or within the building.
gas safety certificate cost , however aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is understandable. They might feel it's a violation of their privacy or suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to observe them or their habits. Landlords must be aware that they are under an obligation under law to conduct these inspections and can only do so in the event that tenants allow access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be a hassle, especially for landlords with multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't get their gas safety certificate they could face hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the issue is addressed.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever repossessed. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were carried out correctly. It's a good idea to keep a record in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant then you should request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord immediately.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and easy. The cost isn't too expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are examined.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. It will ensure your tenants are protected and you can provide a valid certificate in case there are any issues. It also helps you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that can't be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property, and they should be checked regularly. Gas appliances must also be checked regularly.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparing estimates. It is important to inquire about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your home. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas such as London will likely be required to pay more than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must also be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access for the check. This is typically due to fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to track them. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may decide to enforce the inspection. This includes giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it's essential to conduct the gas safety inspection.