Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipework, appliances and flues checked annually. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection time.
It's an obligation of the law
If you're a property owner with one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. A fine or even a prosecution could result from not complying. It is also important to get your gas appliances checked and show a valid certificate in every home.
A gas safety certificate includes information like the date of inspection, the address of the building which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance checked with their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions for how to fix the problem. If the engineer finds any unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access for a safety check. This can cause 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 repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is a requirement to ensure their safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and permit potential tenants to see the record of safety checks. In addition the gas safety certificate will help to build reputation as an honest and professional landlord, which could draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure however, a service contract will also save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounted prices 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 duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections will also help keep gas boilers, and other equipment in good condition, allowing them to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords risk massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's a breeze to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent checks especially if your property has been empty for a long period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply could be shut off when the property is unoccupied.
When you decide to let your home, it is essential to have a current gas safety report before you hand keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been carried out on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to grant you access to their home prior to any inspection. If they're hesitant you can mail them a clearly written letter explaining the reason for access and what the gas safety inspections will entail. If they still refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process with a 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, you risk losing your deposit for tenancy and possibly facing legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea, to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections for landlords. It is not only an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone living in or within the building.
However, some tenants are unwilling to allow access for these inspections, which is understandable. Some tenants may feel that 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 bound to carry out the inspections and are only able to do so only if tenants permit them access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be stressful, especially for landlords with multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may face heavy fines and tenants may not be permitted to move into the property until the problem is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you have to ever repossess the property. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were done correctly. It's a good idea to keep a record in case.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, you should try to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and simple. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, dependent on where you live and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
When you think about the expenses of renting a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement that shouldn't be ignored. This will ensure that your tenants are secure and you can give a valid certificate if any issues occur. It can also assist you avoid costly repairs.
Be aware that landlords must maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a good price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It is important to inquire for discounts if you own several properties that need to be checked. page offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less affluent regions or remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants will refuse to allow access to conduct a security check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully written note outlining your reasons for gaining access to their home should convince them.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This includes sending an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if the notice is reasonable. The best way for the landlord do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is required.