Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could result in fines and compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues have to be tested every year. Some landlords have difficulty gaining access to their property, and are forced into a shorter inspection period.
It's a legal requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date, whether you are a landlord who has one property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could be the result of infractions. There are also some practical benefits of having your gas appliances checked and a valid certificate posted in each property.
The gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection, address of the property that was inspected, the details of every appliance, their current condition and the name and ID number of the engineer that conducted the inspection. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to remove the fault. 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 in danger but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access to a safety inspection. This can cause problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This includes attempting multiple times to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is a requirement to ensure their security. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords should also make sure that they display a copy gas safety certificate at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and allow potential future tenants to see the record of safety inspections. Furthermore having a gas safety certification will help you establish an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which can draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only make sure that your gas equipment is safe and safe, but a service agreement can also save you time and money in the long run. For instance, many gas companies offer a discounted price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to look around and find the best deal for you.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and fix any problems before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Regular inspections will also assist in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment in good working condition, allowing them to last for longer.
Landlords are required by law to have an active Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their properties. Without these certificates, landlords risk huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent checks particularly if your home has been empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply could have been shut off while the property was empty.
cp12 certificate to have a current gas safety report when re-letting the property. This is so that you can give keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work was done on the gas system.
Before conducting any inspections it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they don't agree, you can send an explanation in a letter of the reason for access and what's involved in the gas safety check. If they continue to refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process with an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You may lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea to prevent this from happening, 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 for landlords. 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 result in a gas hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections, which is quite 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 remember that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections and only do this if tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to to manage tenants who are unreliable especially if they have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the issue is resolved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were carried out correctly. It's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't give their tenants the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant, it is recommended to ask your landlord for one immediately.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and easy. The cost isn't too expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on where you live and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's affordable
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a house. This is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an official certificate in the event that any issues arise. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. This is caused by defective gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without special equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety check may vary slightly depending on the technician. However, it is possible to find a good price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. You can inquire about discounts if there are several properties to be examined. Some engineers offer deals when you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could influence the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who reside in less affluent regions or in remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that some tenants might not allow access for the check. This is usually due the fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to monitor them. A carefully written note outlining your motives for getting access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take action. This could include the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The most effective way for the landlord do is communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.