Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances are in compliance with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could result in fines and compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is a legal requirement to have your gas pipework and appliances checked each year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties, and are compelled to take on an inspection that is shorter.
It's a legal requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates current. Failure to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. There are also some practical benefits of having your gas appliances examined and a valid certification displayed at every location.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances deemed 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions for fixing the fault. If an engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be at risk 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. However landlords are required to 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 informing the tenant that this is a requirement to ensure their safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords must be sure to display a copy gas safety certificate at each property. This will help to stop tenants from settling in a home that has gas appliances that are unsafe and also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of the safety checks. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate will help to build reputation as an honest and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long term. For instance, a lot of gas companies offer a reduced cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to look around to find the best price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord it is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and fix problems 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 are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find 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.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a annual gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent checks if you have been away from your property for a long time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's recommended to conduct more frequent checks, especially if your property has been left empty for a long time.
When you decide to let your property, it's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate before you hand over the keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work has been done on the gas system.
It's a great idea to ask your tenant to grant access to their property prior to any inspection. If they refuse then you can write a letter explaining the reason for access and the steps involved in the gas safety inspection. If they continue to refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process with the section 21 notice.
When it is about gas safety, your main obligation 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 possibly facing legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's recommended to schedule annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a thorny issue
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the situation. It's not just a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to an extremely dangerous gas-related accident that is a disaster for anyone living in or around the home.
However, some tenants are unwilling to allow access for these inspections, which is quite understandable. Some tenants might think it is an invasion of privacy or believe the check could be a ploy to spy or track them. But landlords need to bear in mind that they are legally obliged to conduct these inspections, and must only do it only if tenants permit them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords who have multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be penalized with heavy fines and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the issue is solved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you have to ever repossess the property. They may not be able to prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep a copy, so it's worth keeping the certificate in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could 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 you can.
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 is not costly - depending on where you are and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a home. But this is an obligation that is legally required and must not be overlooked. It ensures your tenants are secure and you can produce an authentic certificate should any problems arise. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses serious health danger. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property and checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. Consider discounts if you are multiple properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your house. Landlords who live in areas with high-end amenities like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety check than those who live in less well-off regions or remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that tenants may not allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to track them. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind gaining access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This can include serving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The most effective thing for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is required.