Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the regulations. In the absence of this, it could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is a legal requirement to have your gas pipes as well as appliances and flues examined annually. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their properties and are compelled to take on a shorter inspection cycle.
It's an official requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates current. A penalty or even a fine could be the result of failing to comply. It is also beneficial to inspect your gas appliances, and display a valid certificate in each property.
A gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection and the address of the building which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance that was inspected with their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also identifies any appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on how to remove the fault. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access to a safety inspection. This could cause issues in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However landlords must take every reasonable step to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is required to ensure their 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 moving into a property with unsafe gas appliances and will also allow potential tenants to review the results of safety checks. Furthermore having a gas safety certification will help you establish an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure however, a service contract will also save you money and time in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is 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. 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 potentially dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections will aid in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment in good working condition which will allow them to last longer.
Landlords must have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them face huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However it is recommended to do more frequent checks when you've been away from your property for a prolonged period. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's a good idea to have more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been left empty for a long period of time.
When you decide to let your property, it's important to have a current gas safety report prior to handing keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have taken away the old appliances, or if any work was done on the gas system.
It's a great idea to ask your tenant to grant you access to their home prior to any inspection. If they are reluctant to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter stating why access is needed and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they do not agree, you can begin the eviction procedure with an official notice under section 21.
Safety of your gas appliances is the top priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't, you risk losing your tenancy deposit and possibly facing legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections There are many who aren't satisfied with the situation. It's not only a legal requirement however, it makes sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances which have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or within the building.
However, some tenants are unwilling to allow access for these inspections, which is understandable. Some tenants may feel that it's an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection could be an attempt to snoop on or monitor them. However, how often gas safety certificate must keep in mind that they are legally obliged to carry out the inspections and can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to to deal with tenants who are unreliable particularly if they own multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may face heavy fines and tenants might not be allowed to move into the house until the issue is addressed.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever repossessed. They might not be able to prove that they've conducted the correct inspections if previous tenants didn't keep a copy and it's a good idea to keep a record just in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they don't provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you are a tenant then you should ask your landlord for one immediately.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick process. The cost isn't expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a home. But this is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It will ensure that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that any problems arise. It can also aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. This is caused by defective fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that isn't detectable without specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each property and check them regularly, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords will vary from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a good price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It's important to inquire for discounts if you own multiple properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that can affect the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who live in cities like London are likely to pay more than those living in less affluent or remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that tenants may not allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to spy on them. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind getting access to their home will convince them.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can take action to enforce the inspection. This can include serving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant to explain why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.