Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances are in compliance with the rules and regulations and are safe. In the absence of this, it could result in penalties and could compromise the safety 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.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be tested every year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their property, and are forced to follow an inspection that is shorter.
It's an obligation of the law
Whether you're a landlord with one property or 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. It is also advisable to inspect your gas appliances, and have a valid certificate on every home.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, address of property inspected, details of each appliance with their current status and the name and ID number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions for how to fix the issue. If gas safety certificate for landlords discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access for a gas safety inspection which 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 carry out the checks and then writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords must also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to view the records of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you build a good reputation as a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with a Gas Safe Registered Engineer will save you time and money in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea shop around to find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and correct any issues before they become more serious and risky for tenants. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order, so they're more likely to last longer.
Gas safety certificate must have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their home. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them are subject to massive fines or may find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections, especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply could be shut off when the property is unoccupied.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety certificate before you can hand keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work was 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 are reluctant to give access, you can write an unambiguously written letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they refuse to comply, you can initiate the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it concerns gas safety, your primary responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea, to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It's not just an official requirement, but it is also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. They might feel it's a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to monitor their activities or habits. But landlords should keep in their minds that they are legally bound to carry out the inspections and can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are resistant especially if they have multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that in the event that their gas safety certification is not obtained, they could face heavy fines and tenants might not be permitted to move into the property until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies 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 conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies and it's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 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 it is recommended to get your landlord's permission as soon as you can.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and simple. The certificate is not expensive - depending on where you're located and how many appliances are checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety checks. Yet it is an essential legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should there are any issues. It can also aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords should keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health hazard. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without special equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every house and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked regularly.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the engineer. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is important to inquire about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer deals when you combine inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your home. Landlords in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants will not allow access to conduct a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully worded note explaining the reasons behind getting access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This could include serving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it's essential to conduct an inspection of gas safety.