Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to DateLandlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's gas safety Certificate Landlord Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be inspected annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspections.
It's a legal requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificate current, whether you are a landlord who has one property or a portfolio of rental properties. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of infractions. There are also some practical benefits for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certification displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, address of property inspected, details of each appliance with their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer who conducted the survey. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions for how to fix the fault. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't appropriate for. If the appliance is found to be at risk but not immediately, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access to a safety inspection. This can cause problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However, landlords must make every effort to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This means making multiple attempts to carry out the checks, and writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement to ensure their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the lease agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy their gas safety certificate at every property. This can help stop tenants from moving into a property with gas appliances that are unsafe. It also allows potential future tenants to view the record of the safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish credibility as a responsible landlord. This will help you 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 your time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea to look around and find the most affordable price for you.
It's a great 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 detect and address issues before they become dangerous and more serious. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must possess an Gas Safety Certificate valid for every gas appliance they have in their property. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent checks especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's recommended to conduct more frequent inspections, particularly if your property has been empty for a long period of time.
It's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report when re-letting a property. This is so that you can hand over keys to your new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary if the older appliances have been used by tenants or work has been carried out on the gas system since your last inspection.
Before any inspection it's recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to grant access to the property. If they're hesitant, you can send them a clearly written letter stating the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspections will entail. If they continue to refuse then you can start the eviction process with the section 21 notice.
When it concerns gas safety, your primary responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't, you risk losing your deposit for tenancy and potentially face legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's recommended to schedule regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a pain
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not satisfied with the way things are going. It is not only a legal requirement but also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by professionals. In the event that something goes wrong, it could lead to a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which would be very bad news for anyone living in or around the property.
Some tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy, or they may suspect that the check is an attempt to observe their activities or habits. Landlords need to keep in mind that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and only do it if tenants allow them access to their properties.
The hassle of dealing with recalcitrant tenants can be frustrating especially for landlords who have multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to keep in mind that if they don't get their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants might not be allowed to move in 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 of the certificate, they might not be able to prove the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth keeping a record in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they could be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's recommended to request one from your landlord as soon as you can.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple process. The cost isn't expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on where you live and the number of gas appliances checked.
It's affordable
When you think about the expenses of renting out a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and shouldn't be ignored. This will ensure that your tenants are safe and you can give an appropriate certificate should problems occur. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that a landlord must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. This is caused by defective gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without the use of specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test can vary a bit depending on the technician. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It's important to inquire for discounts if you own multiple properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
The location of your home is a further factor that may affect the cost of a security inspection. Landlords in cities like London will likely be required to pay more than those living in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must also be aware that some tenants may refuse to allow access to the purpose of a check. This is often due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind gaining access to their home will convince them.
If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord can decide to enforce the inspection. This can include giving the tenant a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.
