Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure all gas appliances are safe and in compliance with the regulations. In the absence of this, it could result in fines and compromise tenant safety.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Records.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues have to be tested every year. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspections.
It's a legal requirement
If you're a landlord who has one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. A penalty or even a fine could result from infractions. There are other practical benefits for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certification displayed in each property.
A gas safety certificate includes information such as the date of inspection the address of the house inspected, the details of each appliance checked with their current status, as well as the name and identification number of the engineer who conducted the inspection. It also lists appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and provides suggestions for fixing the fault. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but isn't immediately dangerous, it will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse to allow access to a safety check. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. However landlords must make every effort to comply 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 for their own safety. It's a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at every property. This will stop 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 the safety checks. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish a good reputation as a responsible landlord. This will draw more tenants.
A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract will also save you time and money in the long term. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted price on annual gas Safety certificates - www.mkgassafety.co.Uk,. It's a good idea shop around to find the best price for you.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure that the gas appliances in your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and address issues before they become dangerous and serious. Additionally, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other equipment in good condition and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their homes. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who don't have them are subject to heavy fines or find their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's not difficult to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and making an appointment.
A gas inspection every year is the minimum required under the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's a good idea to have more frequent checks, especially if your property has been empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply might be shut off when the property is unoccupied.
It is essential to have an updated gas safety report when re-letting the property. This is to ensure that you can give keys to your new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary when the old appliances have been taken by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since your last inspection.
Before any inspection it's a good idea to speak to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they are reluctant you can mail them a clearly written letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will involve. If they refuse to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with a section-21 notice.
When it comes to gas safety, your most important responsibility is to make sure 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 possibly facing legal action from the local council or the Health and Safety Executive. To avoid this, it's a good idea to have regular inspections conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to current.
It's a hassle
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that would be disastrous for anyone living in or around the building.
Certain tenants, however, refuse to allow these inspections. This is understandable. They might think it's an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the check might be an attempt to spy on them or their habits. But landlords should keep in mind that they are legally bound to conduct these inspections, and they can only do this if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to to manage tenants who are unreliable, especially if they own multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that when their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could face heavy fines, and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever have to repossess the property. They may not be able to prove that they had carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept the certificate therefore it's worthwhile to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of conducting an inspection, they may be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant then you should request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as possible.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple procedure. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate, depending on where you live and how many gas appliances are examined.
It's affordable
You may not think of gas security checks when you think about the costs of renting a house. This is a legal requirement and must not be overlooked. It will ensure your tenants are safe and you can produce a valid certificate in case any issues arise. It can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Be aware that landlords must keep their appliances, pipework and flues clean. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health hazard. This can be caused by faulty gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas, tasteless and odourless that cannot be detected without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every property and regularly checked. Gas appliances also need to be inspected.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. Consider discounts if you are several properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety inspection is the location of your home. Landlords living in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should be aware that some tenants might not allow access to the check. This is usually due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to spy on them. But a well-written letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord may take actions. This could include an Section 21 notice, but the court will determine whether this is reasonable. The most effective thing for the landlord to do is contact the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is required.