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. In the absence of this, it could result in penalties and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. Also known as a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
It is an obligation of law to have your gas pipework, appliances and flues examined every year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspections.
It's a legal requirement
It's important that you keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are an owner of a single property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could be the result of infractions. It is also beneficial to get your gas appliances checked and have a valid certificate on every home.
The gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property that was inspected, the details of each appliance with their current condition and the name and ID number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also identifies any appliances that are deemed unsafe for use' and suggests ways to eliminate the issue. If the engineer finds any unsafe appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be in danger, but isn't immediately hazardous, it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access to a safety inspection. This can create problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable steps to be in compliance. This includes repeatedly trying to conduct the checks and informing the tenant that this is required to ensure their safety. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords should also display a copy their gas safety certificate at each property. This will help to stop tenants from moving into a property with unsafe gas appliances and will also allow potential tenants to look over the records of the safety checks. Furthermore the gas safety certificate will help you establish an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which could attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract can also save you money and time in the long run. For example, many gas companies offer a discount price for annual Gas Safety Certificates. You need to shop around to find the best price.
It's a good idea
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of any gas appliances that are in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to detect and fix problems before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections aid in keeping gas boilers, and other equipment, in good working order, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords need to have a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. Without these certificates, landlords risk hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. It's simple to get an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However it is recommended to do more frequent checks in the event that you have abandoned your home for a long time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply may have been turned off while the property was not being used.
If you are considering letting your home, it is essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate prior to handing keys to new tenants. A re-inspection is also necessary in the event that the older appliances have been used by tenants or work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow access to their property before any inspection. If they're not willing you can mail an unambiguously written letter that explains the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspection will entail. If they are still refusing, you can start the process of eviction with a section 21 notice.
When it is about gas safety, your main responsibility is to make sure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. If you don't have one, you risk losing your tenancy deposit and possibly facing legal action from the 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
When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the way things are going. It's not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in an extremely dangerous gas-related accident that would be very bad news for anyone living in or around the property.
Some tenants, however aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. They might feel it's an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the check might be an attempt to observe their activities or habits. Landlords need to be aware that they are under an obligation under law to conduct these inspections and only do this if tenants allow them access to their properties.
Being faced with angry tenants can be stressful particularly for landlords with multiple properties. It is important for landlords to remember that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they may face heavy fines and tenants might not be allowed to move into the property until the issue is resolved.
It's also an excellent idea for landlords to keep copies of the gas safety certificate in the event that the property is ever repossessed. If the previous tenants don't have a copy the certificate, they may not be able to prove the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth having an evidence in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute a landlord if they don't provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days after an inspection. So if you're a tenant, you should try to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords should keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and share a copy with their tenants. They can be purchased through Gas Safe online, and the process is simple and simple. The price isn't too costly either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are checked.
It's affordable
When you think about the expenses of renting a property it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. However, this is a legal requirement that must not be overlooked. It will ensure your tenants are safe and you can produce a valid certificate in case there are any issues. It also helps you to avoid future costly repairs.
Be aware that landlords must maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health risk. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and tasteless gas, is unable to be detected without specialized equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently and also check the condition of gas appliances.
The cost of a gas safety check for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, certificate cost can often find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. Consider discounts if you are several properties to be examined. Some engineers offer discounts when you combine inspections.
Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your property. Landlords in urban areas like London will likely have to pay more than those living in remote or less wealthy areas.
Landlords must be aware that tenants might refuse to let access to conduct a verification. This is typically due to fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a scheme to monitor them. But a well-written letter explaining the reasons for access should convince them to let you in.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This includes giving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether or not this is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant and explain to them why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.