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. Failure to comply could result in fines and compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be tested every year. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their property, and are forced into an inspection that is shorter.
It's an obligation of the law
Whether you're a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or prosecution. It is also beneficial to inspect your gas appliances, and show a valid certificate in every property.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, address of property which was inspected, information about every appliance, their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances which are considered 'unsafe for use' and suggests ways to eliminate the issue. If an 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 receive a "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access to a safety check. This can create problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. do i need a gas safety certificate includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks and inform tenants that this is required for their security. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should also make sure that they display a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This can help keep tenants from settling in a home with unsafe gas appliances and also allows potential future tenants to view the record of safety checks. In addition, a gas safety certificate will help you establish a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which could draw more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discount price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop for the lowest price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord it is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and correct issues before they become dangerous and more serious. In addition regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good condition which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are required by law to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them face huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. Fortunately, it's easy to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks when you've left your property empty for a long period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply could have been shut off while the property was empty.
When it comes to re-letting your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate before you can hand over the keys to the new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary in the event that the old appliances were taken by tenants or if any work has been carried out on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea to request your tenant to give you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant you can mail them a strongly worded letter stating the reasons for access and what the gas safety checks will entail. If they continue to refuse to allow access, you can begin the process of eviction with the section 21 notice.
Safety of your gas appliances is the top priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. 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 people are not happy with the landlord gas safety inspections. It is not only a legal requirement but also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by experts. In the event that something goes wrong, it could lead to an extremely dangerous gas-related accident that could be a nightmare for anyone who lives in or around the home.
Some tenants, however aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is reasonable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of privacy, or think that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on or track them. Landlords need to be aware that they are under an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do it when tenants permit access to their property.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating, especially for landlords who have multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to remember that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants could not be allowed to move in 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 might not be able prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept a copy and it's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant then it is best to get your landlord's permission as soon as you can.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick process. The certificate is not costly depending on where you're located and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
You probably don't think about gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a home. However, it is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are safe and you can give an official certificate in the event that issues arise. Plus, it can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords must also maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which is a serious health risk. This can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that isn't detectable without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances must also be checked.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. Ask about discounts if there are multiple properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer deals when you bundle inspections together.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who reside in less affluent or in remote regions.
Landlords must also be aware that tenants may not allow access to conduct a check. This is typically due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to monitor them. But a well-written letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to let you in.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can decide to enforce the inspection. This could include a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best thing for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.