Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure the gas appliances are safe and comply with the rules. Failure to adhere could result in fines and harm the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation of 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. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspections.
It's a requirement by law
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date regardless of whether you're an owner of one property or a portfolio of rental properties. Inability to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. It is also advisable to get your gas appliances checked, and have a valid certificate on every property.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current condition and the name and ID number of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe for use' and suggests how to remove the fault. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is deemed to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access for a gas safety inspection and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could 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 includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and informing the tenant that this is a requirement for their security. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the lease agreement.
Landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety checks. A gas safety certificate will also help you build a good reputation as an honest landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer can save you time and money in the long run. For instance, many gas companies offer a discounted price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to look around to find the most affordable price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good condition and therefore, they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords must possess the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who don't have them face heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. Fortunately, it's easy to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and making 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 check-ups especially if your property has been left empty for an extended period of time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply could have been shut off while the property was not being used.
It's essential to have a current gas safety report when re-letting a property. This is so you can transfer keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or any work was done on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant you access to the property. If they do not agree to allow access, you can send them an email explaining the reason behind access and what will be involved during the gas safety inspection. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the eviction process by sending them the 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 have one, 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 always recommended to schedule regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
Some aren't happy with the landlord gas safety inspections. It's not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that are inspected by professionals. After all, if something goes wrong, it could lead to an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that could be a nightmare for anyone who lives in or around the home.
But some tenants refuse to allow access for these inspections, which is reasonable. landlord gas safety certificate uk might feel it's an infringement of their privacy, or they may suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to monitor their activities or habits. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally obliged to carry out the inspections and must only do it if the tenants grant them access to their property.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be stressful especially for landlords who own multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to be aware that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever need to take possession of the property. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were done correctly. It's worth having an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they don't provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you are a tenant, then it is best to get your landlord's permission as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast process. The certificate is not costly dependent on where you are and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you are considering the cost of renting a property. But it is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that issues occur. It can also assist you avoid expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords should maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. It can be caused by malfunctioning fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that cannot be detected without the use of specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check can vary a bit depending on the engineer. However, you'll usually find a good price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties 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 security check. Landlords in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those living in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants may refuse to allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due to a fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to track them. A carefully composed note describing your motives for getting access to their house will convince them.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord can take actions. This can include giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is required.