Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to do so could result in fines and may compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues are required to be tested annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection time.
It's a requirement by law
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date, whether you are a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties. Inability to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. It is also beneficial to inspect your gas appliances, and have a valid certificate on every property.
The gas safety certificate includes details like the date of inspection, address of property inspected, details of each appliance along with their current status as well as the name and ID number of the engineer that conducted the inspection. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions for how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" if they find any appliances that aren't appropriate for. If the appliance is found to be in danger but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas security check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant can be strained. However, landlords must take all reasonable steps to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to carry out the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include access arrangements in the lease agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and allow potential future tenants to view the records of safety checks. Furthermore the gas safety certificate will help you establish a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only make sure that your gas equipment is safe however, a service contract will also save you money and time in the long term. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look for the lowest price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances in your property are safe. Regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the most effective way to spot and fix any problems before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last for longer.
Landlords must possess an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their home. These certificates are required by law and landlords who don't have them face huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and making an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections in the event that you have left your property empty for a long time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply might have been turned off while the property was not being used.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you can hand keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if the old appliances have been taken by tenants or if any work has been done on the gas system since the last inspection.
Before any inspection it is recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to allow access to the property. If they're hesitant to give access, you can write an unambiguously written letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will involve. If they continue to refuse then you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your number one priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You could lose your deposit and be subject to legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to have annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
Not everyone is happy about the landlord gas safety inspections. 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. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone in or within the building.
Certain tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is understandable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy or believe that the inspection could be an attempt to spy on them or their habits. But landlords need to bear in their minds that they are legally obligated to conduct these inspections, and must only do it when tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be difficult for landlords to have to manage tenants who are recalcitrant especially if they have multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to be aware that if they don't get 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.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever need to take possession of the property. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able prove that the inspections were conducted correctly. It's worth having an evidence in case.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they could be charged by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, you should try to ask your landlord for a copy immediately.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast process. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, dependent on where you live and the number of gas appliances examined.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting out a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. Yet this is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This will ensure that your tenants are secure, and you can provide a valid certificate if any problems arise. It can also assist you to avoid future costly repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that a landlord must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses an extremely dangerous health danger. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers, and fires. 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 house, and they should be monitored regularly. Gas appliances must also be checked regularly.
The cost of the gas safety inspection for landlords may vary slightly depending on the specialist. However, it is possible to find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. You can inquire about discounts if there are several properties to be examined. Some engineers offer deals when you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that can affect the cost of a security check. Landlords who reside in urban areas such as London will be required to pay more for a gas safety check than those who reside in less well-off regions or in remote regions.
Landlords must be aware that tenants may refuse to allow access to conduct a check. how long does a gas safety certificate last is usually due to tenants' fear of intruding of privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully written note outlining your motives for getting access to their house will convince them.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take actions. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.