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 may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues must be tested annually. Some landlords face difficulties getting access to their properties and are forced into an inspection that is shorter.
It's a lawful requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date, whether you are an owner of a single property or a rental portfolio. Failure to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. It is also advisable to get your gas appliances checked, and display a valid certificate 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 each appliance along with their current status as well as the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies appliances that are considered unsafe to use and gives suggestions for how to fix the issue. If an engineer discovers unsafe appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can begin to get strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This includes attempting multiple times to conduct the checks and notifying tenants that this is required for their safety. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificates at each property. This can help keep tenants from moving into a house with unsafe gas appliances and can also permit potential tenants to view the record of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you build credibility as a responsible landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer can save you time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to shop around to find the best price for you.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition and therefore, they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords could face hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain a MK Gas Safety Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However it is recommended to conduct more frequent checks in the event that you have left your property empty for a long time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's recommended to conduct more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been left empty for a prolonged period.
When you decide to let your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety report before you hand over the keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances, or if any work was done on the gas system.
It's a great idea to request your tenant to give access to their property prior to any inspection. If they're hesitant, you can send them a clearly written letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they don't want to go through the process to allow access, you can start the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it concerns 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 have one, you risk losing your deposit for tenancy and could be subject to legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's a good idea to have regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a thorny issue
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not only a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances which are inspected by professionals. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which is a disaster for anyone living in or around the home.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is quite understandable. Some tenants might think it is an invasion of their privacy or believe the check could be an attempt to spy on or monitor them. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obligated to conduct these inspections, and they must only do it when tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant, especially if they own multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could face heavy fines and tenants might not be permitted to move into the house until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you have to ever repossess the property. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth having an evidence in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they do not provide their tenants with the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you are a tenant, then you should get your landlord's permission as soon as you can.
Landlords must 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 quick and simple. The cost isn't too expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on where you live and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a house. Yet this is an obligation that is legally required and should not be omitted. This will ensure that your tenants are secure and you can give a valid certificate if any issues occur. It can also assist you avoid costly 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 hazard. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas, tasteless and odourless that can't be detected without specialized equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each property and check them regularly as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords will vary slightly based on the technician. However, you'll usually find a good price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections together.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your house. Landlords living in cities like London will likely be required to pay more than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants may refuse to allow access for the check. This is often due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully worded note explaining your reasons for getting access to their home will convince them.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord can decide to enforce the inspection. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain to them why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.