Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to DateLandlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the rules. Infractions could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework, appliances and flues examined each year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.
It's an official requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. Inability to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. It is also beneficial to get your gas appliances checked and have a valid certificate on every property.
A gas safety certificate includes information like the date of inspection and the address of the house that was inspected, the information of each appliance inspected, their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and provides suggestions on how to fix the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that are not suitable. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but not immediately the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access for a gas safety check, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant can begin to get strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable steps to be in compliance. This means making multiple attempts to perform the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy their gas safety certificates at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into homes that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to look up the history of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you build an image of an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants.
As well as ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with a 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. You need to look for the most affordable price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of all gas appliances that are in your property. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well other equipment in good working condition which will allow them to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their properties. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not have them risk heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain a Gas 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 do more frequent checks if you have abandoned your home for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas inspection, but it's a good idea to have more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been vacant for a long time.
It is essential to have an updated gas safety report when re-letting a property. This is so you can transfer the keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances, or if any work was done on the gas system.
Before any inspection it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant access to the property. If they refuse then you can write a letter explaining the reason for access and the steps included in the gas safety inspection. If they do not agree, you can begin the eviction process by sending them a section-21 notice.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must have an Gas safety certificate Landlord Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You may lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's always recommended to schedule annual inspections performed by a certified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
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 just an obligation under the law, but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by a professional. In the event that something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that is a disaster for anyone who lives in or around the home.
Some tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy or suspect that the check is an attempt to observe their activities or habits. Landlords must keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections and only do it when tenants permit access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are unreliable especially if they have multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may face heavy fines and tenants may not be permitted to move into the property until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever have to repossess the property. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were done correctly. It's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they don't give their tenants a copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you are a tenant, then you should request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting out a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are protected, and you can provide an official certificate in the event that problems occur. Additionally, it will aid in avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, which is a serious health hazard. This is caused by defective gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that cannot be detected without specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property and checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is important to inquire about discounts if you have multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could affect the cost of a safety inspection. Landlords who live in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants may not allow access to conduct a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully composed note describing your reasons for gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord can take action to make the inspection mandatory. This could include sending a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The most effective thing for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.
