Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords need to ensure that the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. In the absence of this, it could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be inspected annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
Whether you're a landlord with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. Inability to do so could result in a fine or prosecution. There are other benefits of having your gas appliances checked and a valid certification displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance along with their current status as well as the ID number and name of the engineer that conducted the inspection. It also identifies appliances considered to be unsafe for use and provides suggestions for how to fix the issue. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that aren't suitable for. If the appliance is found to be at risk but isn't immediately dangerous, it will receive an "AR" code.
Tenants might not allow access for a safety check. This could cause issues in the relationship between landlords and tenants. However landlords are required to take every reasonable step to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This means making multiple attempts to conduct the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This can help keep tenants from settling in a home that has gas appliances that are unsafe and will also allow potential tenants to look over the records of safety checks. A gas safety certificate can also help you establish credibility as an honest landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer will save you money and time in the long in the long. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop for the best price.
It's a good idea.
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections can also help keep gas boilers, as well other equipment, in good working order and allow them to last longer.
Landlords must have an Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their home. Without these certificates, landlords risk huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent checks particularly if your home has been left empty for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, but it's a good idea to perform more frequent gas inspections, particularly if your property has been empty for a long time.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety report before you hand over the keys to new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary in the event that the old appliances have been taken by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
Before conducting any inspections it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to allow access to the property. If they are reluctant you can mail an unambiguously written letter stating why access is needed and what the gas safety inspections will involve. If they continue to refuse then you can start the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must carry an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't have one, 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 get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. After all, if something goes wrong it could cause an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that is a disaster for anyone who lives within or around the property.
Some tenants will not permit access to these inspections, which is reasonable. Some tenants may feel that it's an invasion of privacy or think that the inspection could be a ploy to spy or monitor them. Landlords should keep in mind that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and only do this if tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be frustrating for landlords to to manage tenants who are resistant 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 house until the problem is solved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for mkgassafety your landlord in the event that you ever have to 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 done correctly. It's worth keeping an evidence in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who do not provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you're a tenant, it's recommended to ask your landlord for a copy immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and provide copies to tenants. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is fast and simple. The cost isn't too expensive either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 for the certificate, depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances checked.
It's not expensive
When you think about the costs of renting a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety checks. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. It will ensure your tenants are secure and you can produce an authentic certificate should any problems arise. Additionally, it will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
It is also important to remember that landlords are required to maintain their pipes, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers, and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that can't be detected without specialized 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 a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, it is possible to find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It's also worth asking for discounts if you own several properties that need to be checked. Some engineers offer deals when you bundle inspections together.
The location of your property is another factor that could affect the cost of a safety check. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety check than those who live in less affluent or in remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants will not allow access to conduct a security check. This is often due to tenants' fear of invasion of their privacy or suspicion of spying. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reason for access should persuade them to allow you access.
If the tenant does not allow the inspection, the landlord can take action. This includes giving a Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The most effective thing for the landlord to do is communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.