Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that the gas appliances are safe and in compliance with regulations. Infractions could result in fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework as well as appliances and flues tested each year. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their properties and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection period.
It's a requirement by law
If you're a landlord who has one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates current. A fine or even a prosecution could be the result of failing to comply. There are also some practical benefits to having your gas appliances checked and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection, the address of the building inspected, the details of each appliance checked with their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are considered unsafe to use and offers suggestions on how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that aren't suitable for. If a device is found to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security inspection and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes making multiple attempts to perform the checks and then writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This can help prevent tenants from moving into a house that has gas appliances that are unsafe and also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build credibility as an honest landlord. This will help you 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 run. For instance, a lot of gas companies offer a discount cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to look around and find the most affordable price for you.
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 identify and fix problems before they become dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must have a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent check-ups, especially if your property has been empty for a long period of time. This is because appliances can be altered or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was not being used.
It's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate when you are re-letting an apartment. This is so that you can hand over keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have removed the old appliances, or if any work was done on the gas system.
Before any inspection, it's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to allow you access to the property. If they're hesitant you can mail them a strongly worded letter that explains why access is needed and what the gas safety inspections will entail. If they still refuse then you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
Safety of your gas appliances is the top priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you could risk losing your deposit to rent and could be subject to legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to have annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a thorny issue
Some people are not 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 inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or within the building.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections It's understandable. Some tenants may feel that it is an invasion of privacy, or think that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on or track them. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to carry out these inspections, and are only able to do so when tenants allow them access to their property.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords who have multiple properties. It's also 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 permitted to move in until the problem has been dealt with.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever repossessed. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were done correctly. It's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If how long does gas safety certificate last are a tenant then it is best to get your landlord's permission immediately.
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 quick and simple. The certificate is not costly depending on where you're located and how many appliances are tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the expenses of renting out a house you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can provide an official certificate in the event that any problems arise. It also helps you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which is an extremely dangerous 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 cannot be detected without the use of specialist equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and regularly check them as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test can vary a bit depending on the specialist. what is a gas safety certificate can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparing estimates. It's also worth asking about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your property. Landlords living in metropolitan areas such as London are likely to pay more than those in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that some tenants may not be able to grant access to the check. This is usually due to the fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to spy on them. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind getting access to their house should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This includes serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether or not this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety check is necessary.