Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances are in compliance with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to comply could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipes, appliances and flues examined annually. Some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties, and are forced into an inspection that is shorter.
It's a legal requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificate current, whether you are an owner of one property or a portfolio of rental properties. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could result from failing to comply. There are also some practical benefits for having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
A gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection and the address of the property inspected, the details of each appliance inspected, their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also lists any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on ways to fix the problem. If the engineer finds any unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas security inspection which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may be strained. However gas safety certificate check must take every reasonable step to be in compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This includes repeatedly trying to perform the checks, and informing the tenant that this is a requirement for their security. It's a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also make sure that they have a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into properties that have unsafe gas appliances and allow potential future tenants to see the record of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate can also help you build an image of a responsible landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is safe and safe, but a service agreement will also save you time and money in the long run. For instance, a lot of gas companies offer a discount cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to shop around to find the best price for you.
It's a good idea.
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of all gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Additionally regular inspections are a great way to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good working order, so they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords must have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been empty for an extended period of time. This is because appliances could be altered or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was not being used.
It is crucial to have an updated gas safety certificate when you are re-letting an apartment. This is so you can hand over 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.
It's a great idea to request your tenant to give access to their property prior to any inspection. If they refuse to allow access, you can send them a letter explaining the reason behind access and what will be included in the gas safety check. If they still refuse to allow access, you can begin the eviction process with the section 21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your primary responsibility is to make sure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. It's a good idea to prevent this from happening, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual check by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections There are many who aren't happy with the situation. It's not just an obligation under the law, but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants use appliances that have been tested by a professional. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or within the building.
Certain tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is reasonable. Some tenants might think it is an invasion of privacy, or think that the inspection could be a ploy to spy or track them. Landlords need to keep in mind that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so when tenants permit access to their properties.
Being faced with angry tenants can be stressful especially for landlords who have multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to remember that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certification and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be allowed 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. They might not be able to prove that they've conducted the correct inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies and it's a good idea to keep an archive in case of need.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who do not provide their tenants with the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you are a tenant it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as you can.
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 certificate is not costly dependent on where you live and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting a property you may not think about the cost of gas safety inspections. However, this is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. gas safety certificate near me ensures that your tenants are safe, and you can provide an appropriate certificate should problems arise. It can also help you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Remember that landlords must also keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses an extremely dangerous health danger. This is caused by defective fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that cannot be detected without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property and should be regularly checked. Gas appliances should 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 competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your property. Landlords in urban areas like London will likely be required to pay more than those living in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants might not allow access for the check. This is usually due the fear of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to track them. A carefully composed note describing your motives for gaining access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may take action to enforce the inspection. This could include a Section 21 notice, but the court will decide if this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.