Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that the gas appliances are safe and in compliance with regulations. Failure to do so could lead to penalties and could compromise the safety 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 are required to be tested every year. However, landlord safety certificate are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection cycle.
It's a lawful requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord who has a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. Failure to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are other benefits of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certification displayed in every property.
A gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection and the address of the building that was inspected, the information of each appliance that was inspected with their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on how to fix the problem. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access to a safety inspection. This can create problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This includes attempting multiple times to perform the checks, and notifying tenants that this is a requirement to ensure their safety. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should also ensure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This can help stop tenants from settling in a home that has gas appliances that are unsafe and also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of safety checks. Additionally, a gas safety certificate will help you establish a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure however, a service contract can also save you time and money in the long term. For instance, a lot of gas companies offer a discount cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the best price for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure the safety of any gas appliances that are in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and fix problems before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good condition which means they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords must possess a Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their property. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them face massive fines or may find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property 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 conduct more frequent inspections, especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply might have been turned off while the property was empty.
It is crucial to have an up-to-date gas safety report when re-letting an apartment. This is so you can transfer the keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if the older appliances have been used by the tenants or any work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
Before conducting any inspections it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they don't agree then you can write an explanation in a letter of the reason behind access and what's included in the gas safety inspection. If they are still refusing then you can start the process of eviction with the section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your tenancy deposit and face legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's always an ideal idea to schedule annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the way things are going. It is not only an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea make sure that tenants use appliances that have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or within the building.
Some tenants will not allow access for these inspections This is quite understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check is some sort of ploy to monitor them or their lifestyles. Landlords must be aware that they are under the legal obligation to conduct these inspections and only do this when tenants permit access to their property.
Being faced with angry tenants can be stressful especially for landlords who own multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could face heavy fines and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the issue is addressed.
It's also a good 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 of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth having an evidence in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant it is recommended to request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick process. The cost isn't expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on where you live and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting out a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety inspections. However, it is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are safe, and you can provide 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 an extremely dangerous health danger. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without special equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the engineer. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. Ask about discounts if there are multiple properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may affect the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less well-off regions or remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that certain tenants may not be able to grant access for the purpose of a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicions of snooping. A carefully worded note explaining the reasons behind getting access to their house should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may decide to enforce the inspection. This includes serving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether it is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.