Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the regulations. In the absence of this, it could lead to penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be tested every year. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.
It's a legal requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. Failure to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are other practical advantages of having your gas appliances examined and a valid certification displayed at every location.
A gas safety certificate contains information like the date of inspection, the address of the house inspected, the details of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who performed the survey. 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" when they discover appliances that are not suitable. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant may start to become problematic. However, landlords must make every effort to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes making multiple attempts to carry out the checks and then writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the Tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes with unsafe gas appliances, and will allow prospective tenants to view the records of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build credibility as a responsible landlord. This will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe however, a service contract can also save you time and money in the long term. For example, many gas companies offer a reduced price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look around to find the most affordable price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord it is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances that are located on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. In addition 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 are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's a breeze to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections when you've abandoned your home for a long time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, however it's a good idea to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been vacant for a prolonged period.
If you are considering letting your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you can hand over the keys to 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's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they're hesitant you can mail them a clearly written letter that explains the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will involve. If they continue to refuse then you can start the eviction process with the section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't have one, you risk losing your tenancy deposit and potentially face legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. 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 current.
It's a pain
Not everyone is happy about the landlord gas safety inspections. It's not just an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea ensure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by a professional. If something goes wrong, this could lead to a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or within the building.
Some tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is reasonable. They may think it's an infringement of their privacy or believe that the check is an attempt to observe their activities or habits. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to carry out the inspections and must only do it only if tenants permit them access to their property.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating, especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be fined a lot and tenants might not be allowed to move into the property until the issue is solved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever have to repossess the property. They might not be able to prove they've conducted the correct inspections if the previous tenants haven't kept a copy therefore it's worthwhile to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they may be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant it is recommended to get your landlord's permission immediately.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast procedure. The certificate is not expensive depending on where you're located and how many appliances are examined, it will cost between PS50 and PS90.
It's affordable
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a home. But it is a legal requirement that should not be omitted. This will ensure that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide an appropriate certificate should problems arise. It can also help you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Be aware that landlords must keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health hazard. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, cannot be detected without special equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every property and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords will vary from engineer to engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparing quotes. You can inquire about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be checked. 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 check. Landlords who reside in areas with high-end amenities like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety test than those who live in less affluent or remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware that some tenants might not allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to monitor them. However, a carefully written letter stating the reasons to gain access will convince them to let you in.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to take action to make the inspection mandatory. This can include giving an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it is necessary to conduct a gas safety check.