Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Failure to do so could result in fines and may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipework as well as appliances and flues examined every year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection time.
It's a requirement by law
It is crucial 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. It is also advisable to have your gas appliances inspected and to display a valid certificate in every home.
A gas safety certificate includes information like the date of inspection the address of the building inspected, the details of each appliance checked with their current status, as well as the name and number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also lists any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If the engineer discovers unsafe 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 start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This includes making multiple attempts to perform the checks and then writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also an excellent idea to include access arrangements in the lease agreement.
Landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and will allow prospective tenants to look up the history of safety checks. Furthermore having a gas safety certification will help to build an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which will draw more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer will save you time and money in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop for the best price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and fix any problems before they become more serious and potentially risky 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 for longer.
gas safe installation certificate are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an 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 check-ups, especially if your property was left empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas inspection, but it's a good idea to have more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been empty for a prolonged period.
It's essential to have a current gas safety report before letting a property. This is so you can transfer keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before conducting any inspections it's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to allow access to the property. If they refuse, you can send a letter explaining the reason for access and what's included in the gas safety check. If they continue to refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process by sending them a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you 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 a good idea to have annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections There are many who aren't satisfied with the way things are going. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by experts. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or within the building.
Some tenants, however refuse to allow these inspections. This is quite understandable. They might feel it's an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to observe them or their lifestyles. Landlords should be aware that they are under an obligation under law to conduct these inspections and only do this if tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the problem is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever have to repossess the property. They may not be able to prove they've carried out the correct inspections if previous tenants didn't keep a copy and it's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant then it is best to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord 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 in a simple and fast process. The cost isn't expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are examined.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a property. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are protected and you can give an appropriate certificate should issues occur. Plus, it can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check may vary slightly depending on the technician. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
The location of your home is another factor that can affect the cost of a safety check. Landlords in urban areas like London are likely to pay more than those who live in less affluent or remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that tenants might refuse to allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of their privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully written note outlining your reasons for getting access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to deny access to the property, the landlord may decide to make the inspection mandatory. This could include giving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain to them why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.