Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords must make sure the gas appliances are safe and in compliance with regulations. Infractions could lead to fines and could compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues must be tested annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection time.
It's an official requirement
If you're a property owner with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates current. Failure to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are also some practical advantages for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in each property.
The gas safety certificates contain details such as the date of inspection, 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 inspection. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to eliminate the issue. If the engineer finds any unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be at risk but not immediately the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas security inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant could start to become problematic. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take reasonable measures to comply. This should include making several attempts to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant stating that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.
Landlords must also ensure that they display a copy of their gas safety certificates in every property. This will prevent tenants from settling in a home with unsafe gas appliances and will also allow potential tenants to view the record of the safety inspections. Additionally having a gas safety certification will help to build a reputation for being an honest and professional landlord, which can draw more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer will save your time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounted prices on annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop around to find the most affordable price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and fix problems before they become dangerous and more serious. In addition regular inspections are a great way to keep gas safety certificate landlord boilers and other equipment in good working order and therefore, they're more likely to last longer.
Landlords need to have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance within their property. Without these certificates, landlords could face huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's a breeze to get an Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it's recommended to have more frequent check-ups 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 be shut off when the property was not being used.
It is crucial to have an updated gas safety report when re-letting the property. This is to ensure that you can transfer keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
Before conducting any inspections, it's an excellent idea to talk to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they refuse to allow access, you can send them an email explaining the reason for access and what will be included in the gas safety inspection. If they continue to refuse then you can start the eviction process by sending them a section 21 notice.
When it concerns 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 the 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 undergo an annual inspection by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a thorny issue
Some people are not happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not only a legal requirement but it's also good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
Some tenants, however, aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is understandable. Some tenants might think it is an invasion of their privacy or think that the inspection is a ploy to spy or track them. Landlords should remember that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so if tenants allow them access to their homes.
It can be a hassle for landlords to to manage tenants who are recalcitrant especially if they have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certification, they risk hefty fines and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the issue has been dealt with.
It's also a good idea for landlords to save copies of the gas safety certificates in the event that the property is ever taken. They might not be able prove they've conducted the correct inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies and it's a good idea to keep the certificate in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of carrying out 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 immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies 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 for the certificate dependent on where you live and the number of gas appliances tested.
It's not expensive
When you think about the cost of renting out a house, you probably don't consider the cost of gas safety inspections. However, this is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. This ensures that your tenants are protected and you can give an appropriate certificate should problems arise. It can also help you avoid expensive repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that landlords must keep their plumbing, appliances and flues in good working order. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It is caused by malfunctioning gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that can't be detected without specialist equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and regularly check them and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords will vary from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. Consider discounts if you are multiple properties that need to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your home is a further factor that may affect the cost of a security check. Landlords living in cities like London will likely have to pay more than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must be aware of the possibility that tenants may not allow access to conduct a check. This is usually due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to monitor them. A carefully written note outlining the reasons behind getting access to their house should convince them to allow you access.
If a tenant continues to refuse access, the landlord is able to take action to make the inspection mandatory. This includes serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain why a gas safety inspection is necessary.