Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. In the absence of this, it could result in fines and may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues must be tested every year. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties, and are forced into an inspection that is shorter.
It's a lawful requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate current regardless of whether you're a landlord with a single property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could result from not complying. There are also some practical advantages to having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate posted in every property.
The gas safety certificate contains information such as date of inspection, address of property that was inspected, the details of every appliance, their current status and the name and ID number of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and gives suggestions for how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" in the event of finding appliances that are not suitable. If an appliance is considered to be in danger but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas safety check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may begin to get strained. However gas safety certificate near me must make every effort to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and informing the tenant that this is a requirement for their security. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords must also make sure that they display a copy gas safety certificates in every property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes with unsafe gas appliances, and permit potential tenants to see the record of safety checks. Additionally having a gas safety certification will help to build reputation as a responsible and professional landlord, which could bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe registered Engineer will save you money and time in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a discounted cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop around to find the best price.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your obligation to ensure the safety of any gas appliances that are in your property. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and correct any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. In addition regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order which means they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their property. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not have them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's not difficult to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks when you've been away from your property for a long time. This is because appliances can be altered or the gas supply might be shut off when the property was empty.
It's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate when you are re-letting an apartment. This is so you can give the keys to your new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary if the old appliances were taken by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a good idea to request your tenant to give access to their property prior to any inspection. If they're not willing you can mail an unambiguously written letter that explains the reason for access and what the gas safety checks will involve. If they are still refusing then you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's always an ideal idea to schedule annual inspections by a qualified 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 many who aren't satisfied with the way things are going. It's not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone in or within the building.
Certain tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is quite understandable. Some tenants might feel it's an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection is an attempt to spy on or track them. However, landlords must keep in mind that they are legally obliged to carry out the inspections and are only able to do so when tenants allow them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating especially for landlords who own multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they don't obtain their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the problem is resolved.
It's also a good idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates in case the property is ever taken. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth keeping an archive in case of need.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's best to get one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The certificate isn't expensive dependent on where you're located and the number of appliances tested, it ranges between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
When you think about the expenses of renting out a house it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety checks. However, this is an obligation that is legally required and should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should any issues arise. It can also assist you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to remember that a landlord must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It is caused by defective fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that cannot be detected without specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. You can inquire about discounts if there are several properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords who reside in metropolitan areas like London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less affluent or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that certain tenants might not allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicions of snooping. However, a carefully written letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This could include a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain to them why it's necessary to carry out an inspection of gas safety.