Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and comply with the rules. Failure to adhere could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipes, appliances and flues checked every year. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or several rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates current. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of not complying. It is also beneficial to get your gas appliances checked, and have a valid certificate on each property.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection the address of the building which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, as well as the name and number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and offers suggestions for
how long does gas safety certificate last to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" in the event of finding appliances that aren't appropriate for. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security check which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable steps to be in compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to perform the checks and then writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy their gas safety certificate at every property. This will help to prevent tenants from settling in a home that has gas appliances that are unsafe and can also permit potential tenants to look over the records of safety checks. A
gas Safety certificate Landlord safety certificate will also help you build an image of a responsible landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer can save you time and money in the long run. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop around to find the most affordable price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure that the gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections can also assist in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment in good condition, allowing them to last for longer.
Landlords are required by law to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their properties. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them risk huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's not difficult to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and making an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent check-ups, especially if your property has been left empty for a long period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply might be shut off when the property was empty.
It is crucial to have a current gas safety certificate when you are re-letting the property. This is so that you can transfer keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or any work was done on the gas system.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to grant you access to their home prior to any inspection. If they're hesitant, you can send them a strongly worded letter that explains the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will entail. If they don't want to go through the process, you can begin the eviction procedure with an official notice under section 21.
When it is about gas safety, your most important responsibility is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't have one, you risk losing your tenancy deposit and could be subject to legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It is not only an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong it could cause a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which is a disaster for anyone living in or around the home.
Certain tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is understandable. Some tenants may feel that it is an invasion of privacy or believe the check could be an attempt to spy on or monitor them. Landlords need to be aware that they are under a legal obligation to conduct these inspections and can only do so in the event that tenants allow access to their homes.
Being faced with angry tenants can be frustrating especially for landlords who own multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could face heavy fines and tenants may not be permitted to move into the property until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies of the
gas safety certificate replacement certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever need to take possession of the property. They may not be able prove they've carried out the correct inspections if previous tenants haven't kept copies, so it's worth keeping 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 the original certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you are a tenant then you should request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your
landlord gas safety certificate how often as soon as possible.
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 quick and easy. The cost isn't expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on where you live and how many gas appliances are examined.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. It will ensure your tenants are secure and you can provide an official certificate in the event that there are any issues. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs in the future.
Be aware that landlords must keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health hazard. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in each property and check them regularly and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a
landlord gas safety certificate uk gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a reasonable price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could influence the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who reside in less affluent or in remote regions.
Landlords should be aware of the possibility that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a check. This is typically due to a fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to track them. However, a carefully written letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may take action to make the inspection mandatory. This can include giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant and explain why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.