Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas Safety certificate Landlord appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Infractions could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipes, appliances and flues checked every year. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection cycle.
It's a lawful requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are a landlord who has one property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could result from infractions. It is also important to inspect your gas appliances and to show a valid certificate in every property.
The gas safety certificate includes information such as date of inspection, address of the property inspected, details of each appliance along with their current status 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 offers suggestions on ways to eliminate the issue. If an engineer discovers unsafe appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is deemed to be at risk but isn't immediately hazardous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access to a safety inspection. This could cause issues 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 making multiple attempts to perform the checks, and notifying tenants that this is required for their security. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
The landlords must be sure to display a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will stop tenants from settling in a home with gas appliances that are unsafe. It also allows potential future tenants to look over the records of the safety checks. Furthermore having a gas safety certification will help to build an image of an honest and professional landlord, which will draw 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 time and money in the long run. For example, many gas companies offer a discount cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop for the best price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord it is your duty to ensure that the gas appliances in your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and fix problems before they become dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their properties. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's a breeze to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent check-ups especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas inspection, but it's a good idea to have more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been vacant for a long time.
If you are considering letting your property, it's important to have a current gas safety report prior to handing keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow you access to their property before any inspection. If they're not willing, you can send them a clearly written letter explaining why access is needed and what the gas safety checks will involve. If they are still refusing then you can start the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it is about gas safety, your most important obligation is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you risk losing your deposit to rent and could be subject to legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the way things are going. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes 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 who lives in or within the building.
Some tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is reasonable. They may think that it is a violation of their privacy or suspect that the check might be some sort of ploy to spy on their activities or habits. Landlords must keep in mind that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so in the event that tenants allow access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are unreliable, especially if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to keep in mind that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the issue has been dealt with.
It's also a good idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in case the property is ever taken. They may not be able to prove they had carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept copies 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 of an inspection. So if you're a tenant, it's recommended to request one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and simple. The cost isn't expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on where you live and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's affordable
You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you are considering the cost of renting a property. This is a legal requirement and shouldn't be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are secure and you can provide a valid certificate in case there are any issues. It can also save you from costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that a landlord must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses a serious health danger. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that cannot be detected without the use of specialist equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each property and check them regularly and also check the condition of gas appliances.
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 estimates. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your house. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less well-off regions or remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants might not allow access to the purpose of a check. This is usually due the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to spy on them. However, a carefully written letter stating the reason for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This could include the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best way for the landlord do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.