Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the rules. Failure to comply could result in fines and harm the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues have to be tested annually. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspections.
It's a requirement by law
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date, whether you are an owner of a single property or a rental portfolio. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of failing to comply. It is also advisable to have your gas appliances inspected and have a valid certificate on every property.
A gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection and the address of the property which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance inspected, their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also identifies appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to remove the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that aren't suitable for. If an appliance is considered to be at risk, but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access for a gas safety inspection and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords should also display a copy 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 see the record of safety inspections. Additionally having a gas safety certification will help to build a reputation for being a responsible and professional landlord, which can bring in more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure and safe, but a service agreement will also save you time and money in the long run. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to look around to find the lowest price.
It's a great idea
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all gas appliances in your property. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and correct any issues before they become more serious and potentially dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections can aid in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment in good working order which will allow them to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them face heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. 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 required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections, especially if your property has been empty for an extended period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply could have been shut off while the property was empty.
When you decide to let your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you hand over the keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the older appliances have been used by tenants or work has been done on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before you conduct any inspection, it's recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant you access to the property. If they refuse to allow access, you can send them an explanation in a letter of the reason behind access and what's included during the gas safety inspection. If they are still refusing to allow access, you can begin the eviction process by sending them a section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your most important responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your deposit and face legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. 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 thorny issue
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, this could lead to a gas-hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is understandable. They may think it's an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the check is an attempt to spy on their activities or habits. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally bound to conduct these inspections, and they must only do it if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to to deal with tenants who are unreliable, especially if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to keep in mind that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification, they risk hefty fines and the tenants might not be allowed to move in until the issue is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you have to ever repossess the property. They might not be able to prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies and it's a good idea to keep a record just in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they could be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, it's best to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and simple. The cost isn't too expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are tested.
It's affordable
You may not think of gas security checks when you think about the cost of renting a home. This is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It ensures your tenants are safe and you can produce an authentic certificate should there are any issues. It can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, which is a serious health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that can't be detected without specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every home and monitored regularly. Gas appliances also need to be inspected.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for quotes. Ask about discounts if there are multiple properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
The location of your home is a further factor that may affect the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords living in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those living in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of their privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to deny access to the property, the landlord may take action to enforce the inspection. This could include sending a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether the notice is reasonable. cp12 certificate for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is required.