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 regulations and are safe. Infractions could result in fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or 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 cut their inspection cycle.
It's a lawful requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are a landlord with a single property or a rental portfolio. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of not complying. There are other benefits to having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificates contain information such as date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current status and the name and ID number of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also identifies appliances deemed 'unsafe to use' and gives suggestions for how to fix the problem. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is deemed to be at risk but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access to a safety inspection. This could cause issues in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However landlords must take all reasonable steps to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to carry out the checks, and writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
Landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificates at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and permit potential tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish an image of an honest landlord. This will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe however, a service contract can also save you time and money in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure that the gas appliances in 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 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.
Landlords are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their properties. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not possess them risk huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent inspections if you have left your property empty for a prolonged period. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, however it's recommended to perform more frequent gas checks, especially if your property has been vacant for a long period of time.
It is crucial to have an up-to-date gas safety report when re-letting an apartment. This is so you can give keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the older appliances have been used by the tenants or any work has been carried out on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before any inspection, it's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to allow access to the property. If they do not agree to allow access, you can send them an email explaining the reason for access and what's included during the gas safety inspection. If they don't want to go through the process to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you could 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 recommended 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 a legal requirement but also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by professionals. In the event that something goes wrong, it could lead to an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that is a disaster for anyone who is within or around the property.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections This is 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 them or their habits. Landlords must be aware that they are under an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do this in the event that tenants allow access to their homes.
It can be a hassle for landlords to to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant especially if they have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't get their gas Safety Certificate landlord safety certification and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the issue is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever need to take possession of the property. They may not be able to prove that they've carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep a copy therefore it's worthwhile to keep a record just in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they don't provide their tenants with a 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 request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and simple. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, depending on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are tested.
It's affordable
When you think about the costs of renting out a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are protected and you can give an official certificate in the event that problems occur. It can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords should keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. It is caused by defective fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without specialized equipment. It's 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 test will vary slightly based on the engineer. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It's also worth asking about discounts if you have several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer deals when you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that can influence the cost of a safety check. Landlords who live in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote regions.
Landlords should be aware that certain tenants may refuse to allow access to the check. This is usually due to a fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to monitor them. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reasons for access should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord may take actions. This includes serving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is necessary.