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 rules and regulations and are safe. In the absence of this, it could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be tested annually. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. A fine or even a prosecution could result from infractions. There are also some practical advantages of having your gas appliances checked and a valid certification displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificates contain details like the date of inspection, address of the property that was inspected, the details of every appliance, their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies appliances considered unsafe to use and provides suggestions for how to fix the fault. If the engineer finds any unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger but not immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas security inspection and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the lease agreement.
Landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. gas safe installation certificate will stop tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and will allow prospective tenants to see the record of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish credibility as a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract can also help you save money and time in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a reduced 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 obligation to ensure that all gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their property. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them risk heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It is easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a annual gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections if you have been away from your property for a prolonged period. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas inspection, but it's recommended to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been empty for a long time.
It's essential to have a current gas safety report before letting a property. This is so that you can hand over keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been done on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before any inspection, it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant access to the property. If they refuse, you can send an explanation in a letter of the reason for access and the steps included during the gas safety inspection. If they continue to refuse to allow access, you can begin the process of eviction with the section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to make sure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't have one, you risk losing your deposit to rent and potentially face legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by a professional. In the event that something goes wrong it could result in an extremely dangerous gas-related accident that is a disaster for anyone who lives within or around the property.
Some tenants will not allow access for these inspections This is quite understandable. They might think it's a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to spy on their activities or habits. But landlords should keep in their minds that they are legally obligated to conduct these inspections, and they must only do it when tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to to deal with tenants who are resistant, especially if they own multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may be fined a lot 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 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 the certificate therefore it's worthwhile to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they do not provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. So if you're a tenant, it's recommended to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and easy. The cost isn't expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, dependent on where you live and how many gas appliances are examined.
It's not expensive
You may not think of gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a home. But this is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This will ensure that your tenants are protected, and you can provide an official certificate in the event that problems arise. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, which is a serious health risk. This can be caused by faulty fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test may vary slightly depending on the specialist. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. Ask about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
The location of your home is another factor that could affect the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who reside in less affluent or remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware that tenants may refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is usually due to the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to spy on them. However, a carefully written letter stating the reasons to gain access will convince them to let you in.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord may take actions. This includes giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain why it's necessary to carry out the gas safety inspection.