Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and comply with regulations. In the absence of this, it could lead to penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
It is legally required to have your gas pipes and appliances tested annually. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection time.
It's a legal requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are a landlord with a single property or a rental portfolio. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of infractions. It is also beneficial to get your gas appliances checked and to display a valid certificate in each property.
A gas safety certificate includes information like the date of inspection and the address of the house 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 lists any appliances which are considered 'unsafe for use' and suggests ways to eliminate the issue. If the engineer finds any unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but not immediately it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas safety check, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant can start to become problematic. However landlords are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This means making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and then writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into properties that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to view the records of safety inspections. Furthermore the gas safety certificate can help build reputation as an honest and professional landlord, which will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract will also help you save money and time in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discounted price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to shop around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections can also help keep gas boilers, and other equipment in good working order which will allow them to last longer.
Landlords are required by law to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's simple to get a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and making an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent inspections when you've left your property empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's recommended to conduct more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been vacant for a long time.
It is crucial to have an updated gas safety certificate when you are re-letting a property. This is so you can hand over keys to your new tenants. It is also essential to conduct a re-inspection in the event that the older appliances have been used by tenants or work has been done on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to grant you access to their property prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant, you can send them a clearly written letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety checks will entail. If they don't want to go through the process to allow access, you can start the eviction procedure with an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You may lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from your 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 have an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It's not just an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by a professional. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone in or around the building.
Some tenants, however do not want to be inspected. This is understandable. Some tenants might think it's an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection is a ploy to spy or monitor them. Landlords should remember that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections, and only do it if tenants allow them access to their properties.
It can be difficult for landlords to have to manage tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be fined a lot and tenants might not be permitted to move into the house until the issue is addressed.
It's also a good idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever taken. They may not be able prove they've carried out the correct inspections if the previous tenants haven't kept the certificate therefore it's worthwhile to keep the certificate in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who do not provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you are a tenant it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as you can.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and simple. The cost isn't expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are examined.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting out a house it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement and shouldn't be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can provide a valid certificate in case there are any issues. It can also assist you to avoid future costly repairs.
Remember that landlords must also keep their appliances, pipework and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is an extremely dangerous health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that cannot be detected without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house and should be regularly checked. Gas appliances also need to be checked.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test may vary slightly depending on the engineer. However, it is possible to find a good price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It's also worth asking about discounts if there are several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections together.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your house. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will have to pay more for a gas safety check than those who live in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of spying. However, gas safety certificate landlord worded letter stating the reason for access should convince them to let you in.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord may take actions. This includes giving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it's necessary to carry out an inspection of gas safety.