Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that the gas appliances are safe and in compliance with regulations. In the absence of this, it could result in penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is legally required to have your gas pipework and appliances tested every year. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord with a single property or a portfolio of rental properties. Inability to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. There are other practical advantages of having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate posted at every location.
The gas safety certificates contain details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property that was inspected, the details of each appliance along with their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the survey. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If an engineer discovers unsuitable 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 check. This can create problems in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However landlords must take every reasonable step to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to perform the checks, and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also recommended to include access arrangements in the lease agreement.
The landlords must also ensure that they display a copy gas safety certificates in 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. In addition, a gas safety certificate can help build a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which can bring in more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe Registered Engineer can save your time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should look for the most affordable price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it is your obligation to ensure that all gas appliances on your property are safe. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections can aid in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment in good working condition which will allow them to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their properties. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them risk massive fines or may find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It is easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent check-ups, especially if your property was left empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's recommended to have more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been vacant for a prolonged period.
When you decide to let your home, it is essential to have a current gas safety report prior to handing keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work was done on the gas system.
Before you conduct any inspection, it's recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to give access to the property. If they are reluctant to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter explaining why access is needed and what the gas safety inspection will involve. If they do not agree to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with the section-21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your most important 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 could be subject to legal action from your local council or the Health and Safety Executive. It's a good idea, to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not happy with the situation. It is not only an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone living in or within the building.
Some tenants, however, do not want to be inspected. This is understandable. Some tenants might feel it's an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection is an attempt to snoop on or track them. However, landlords must keep in their minds that they are legally obliged to conduct these inspections, and can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to to deal with tenants who are unreliable especially if they have multiple properties. It's important that landlords remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could face heavy fines and tenants may not be permitted to move into the property 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. how much gas safety certificate might not be able prove they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept copies, so it's worth keeping an archive in case of need.
If a landlord doesn't give their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you're a tenant, it's recommended to request one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The cost isn't expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are tested.
It's affordable
You probably don't think about gas security checks when you think about the cost of renting a property. But it is a legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can produce a valid certificate in case any problems arise. It can also aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Remember that landlords should keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without specialized equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and regularly check them, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord's gas safety test will vary slightly based on the technician. However, you can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. Ask about discounts if there are multiple properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer deals when you bundle inspections together.
The location of your property is another factor that can affect the cost of a security inspection. Landlords who live in areas with high-end amenities like London will have to pay more for a gas safety test than those who reside in less affluent regions or remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that some tenants might not allow access for the purpose of a check. This is typically due to a fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a ploy to track them. A carefully composed note describing the reasons behind getting access to their home will convince them.
If the tenant continues to deny access to the property, the landlord may decide to enforce the inspection. This could include serving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether the notice is reasonable. The most effective way for the landlord do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.