Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances are in compliance with the regulations and are safe. Infractions could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues must be inspected annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection cycle.
It's an obligation of the law
Whether you're a landlord with one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of not complying. It is also advisable to get your gas appliances checked and to have a valid certificate on every property.
The gas safety certificates contain details such as the date of inspection, address of property which was inspected, information about each appliance along with their current condition and the name and ID number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also lists any appliances that are deemed to be unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to eliminate the issue. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access to a safety inspection. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks and then writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
The landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificate at each property. This will help to stop tenants from moving into a property that has gas appliances that are unsafe and will also allow potential tenants to look over the records of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you build an image of an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is secure however, a service contract can also help you save money and time in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to look for the best price.
It's a great idea.
As a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances in your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and fix problems before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order, so they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords need to have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their home. Without these certificates, landlords could face massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's a breeze to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and making an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections especially if your property has been empty for a long period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was not being used.
It is essential to have a current gas safety report when re-letting the property. This is so that you can give the keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when the old appliances have been taken by tenants or if any work has been carried out on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before any inspection it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant access to the property. If they're hesitant you can mail an unambiguously written letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety checks will include. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the eviction procedure with the section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry an 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. 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
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections, not everyone is happy with the situation. 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. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone in or within the building.
Some tenants will not allow access for these inspections This is quite understandable. They might think it's a violation of their privacy or believe that the check might be an attempt to spy on their activities or habits. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obliged to carry out these inspections, and they are only able to do so when tenants allow them access to their property.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating particularly for landlords who own multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't obtain their gas safety certificate and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the problem 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. They may not be able to prove they had carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies therefore it's worthwhile to keep 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 prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as you can.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and simple. The price isn't too costly either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on where you live and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's not expensive
When you think about the expenses of renting a property, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety inspections. However, gas safety certificate uk is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. This ensures that your tenants are safe, and you can provide an official certificate in the event that issues arise. It can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that landlords must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses serious health danger. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without the use of specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house and should be regularly checked. Gas appliances must also be inspected.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords will vary slightly based on the technician. However, you'll usually find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It's also worth asking about discounts if you have several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections.
The location of your home is a further factor that may influence the cost of a safety check. Landlords who live in urban areas such as London will have to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords must also be aware of the possibility that tenants may refuse to allow access to conduct a verification. This is usually due a fear of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to monitor them. A carefully worded note explaining the reasons behind gaining access to their home should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord is able to decide to make the inspection mandatory. This includes sending an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if or not this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.