Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Failure to do so could lead to penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues must be tested every year. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties, and are forced into a shorter inspection cycle.
It's a requirement by law
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord with a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. Inability to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are also some practical advantages to having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate posted at every location.
A gas safety certification contains details such as the date of inspection the address of the property inspected, the details of each appliance inspected, their current status, and the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and gives suggestions on how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" in the event of finding appliances that are not suitable. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access for a safety check. This can create problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to perform the checks and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the lease agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificate at each property. This will help to keep tenants from moving into a property with unsafe gas appliances and also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you build credibility as a responsible landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract will also save you money and time in the long run. For example, many gas companies offer a reduced price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to shop around to find the most affordable price for you.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and address issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have an active Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords risk huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's simple to get a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling 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 has been left empty for a prolonged period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas inspection, but it's a good idea perform more frequent gas inspections, particularly if your property has been vacant for a long time.
It's essential to have an updated gas safety certificate when you are re-letting an apartment. This is so that you can give keys to the new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary if the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before you conduct any inspection it is an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they do not agree, you can send a letter explaining the reason for access and what will be included during the gas safety inspection. If they refuse, you can begin the process of eviction with a section-21 notice.
When it concerns gas safety, your primary responsibility is to make sure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your deposit and face legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. It's a good idea to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just a legal requirement but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or within the building.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is reasonable. They might think it's a violation of their privacy or suspect that the inspection could be an attempt to observe them or their lifestyles. However, landlords must keep in mind that they are legally obligated to carry out these inspections, and they must only do it if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to to deal with tenants who are unreliable especially if they have multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to be aware that if they don't obtain their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the issue is addressed.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever taken. They may not be able to prove that they had carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept a copy therefore it's worthwhile to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who 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're a tenant, it's best to get one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast procedure. The cost isn't too expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a house. But this is an obligation that is legally required and should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are secure and you can provide a valid certificate in case any issues arise. It can also assist you to avoid future costly repairs.
It's also important to remember that a landlord must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good working order. gas safety certificate replacement will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a serious health danger. This can be caused by faulty fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every property and regularly checked. Gas appliances must also be checked.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords can vary a bit depending on the engineer. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be examined. Some engineers offer deals when you bundle inspections together.
The location of your property is another factor that could affect the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords should also be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of spying. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reasons for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If a tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may decide to enforce the inspection. This can include sending the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it's essential to conduct the gas safety inspection.