Blog entry by Patty Beaty
Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are accountable for ensuring that all gas appliances comply with the rules and regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could result in fines and compromise the security of tenants.
CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12. It is also known as a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances, and flues are required to be tested annually. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection cycle.
It's a legal requirement
It is crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date, whether you are a landlord who has one property or a rental portfolio. A penalty or even a fine could be the result of failing to comply. There are other advantages to having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certification displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificate contains details like the date of inspection, address of property that was inspected, the details of each appliance along with their current status as well as the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies appliances that are deemed unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on ways to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an "ID code" when they discover appliances that are not suitable. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants may refuse access to a gas security inspection, and this is where the relationship between landlord and tenant can begin to get strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks and informing the tenant that this is a requirement to ensure their security. It's also a good idea to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.
Landlords should also make sure that they display a copy of their gas certificates safety certificates in every property. This will help to stop tenants from moving into a house with unsafe homeowner gas safety certificate appliances and also allows potential future tenants to view the record of the safety checks. In addition, a gas safety certificate will help you establish an image of an honest and professional landlord, which could bring in 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 help you save money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It's a good idea shop around to find the best deal for you.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances that are in your property. Regular inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to identify and address any issues before they become more serious and dangerous for tenants. Regular inspections can also help keep gas boilers, as well other equipment in good working condition and allow them to last longer.
Landlords need to have a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas Safety certificate landlord appliance within their home. These certificates are required by law and landlords who do not possess them are subject to huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's a breeze to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate for your home by hiring a qualified engineer and making an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a annual gas inspection. However it is recommended to do more frequent checks when you've abandoned your home for a long time. This is due to the fact that appliances can be altered or the gas supply may be shut off when the property was empty.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's important to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate prior to handing keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or any work has been done on the gas system.
Before conducting any inspections it's recommended to talk to your tenant and ask them to give you access to the property. If they're hesitant to give access, you can write them a strongly worded letter explaining the reason for access and what the gas safety inspection will include. If they refuse to allow access, you can start the eviction procedure with the section-21 notice.
When it is about gas safety, your main obligation is to ensure that you have a Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You could lose your tenancy deposit and be subject to legal action by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a pain
Some aren't happy with the gas safety inspections for landlords. It's not just an obligation under the law, but it is it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been inspected by experts. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas hazard situation that could be catastrophic for anyone who lives in or around the building.
However, some tenants are unwilling to let these inspections in This is quite understandable. They might feel it's an infringement of their privacy or believe that the inspection could be an attempt to observe them or their lifestyles. Landlords should remember that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections and can only do so if tenants allow them access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to to deal with tenants who are recalcitrant particularly if they own multiple properties. It's also important for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certificate, they risk hefty fines and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the problem is resolved.
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 to prove that they've carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep copies, so it's worth keeping the certificate in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they don't provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety certificate homeowner safety within 28 days after an inspection. If you're a tenant, you should try to get one from your landlord immediately.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. They can be purchased at Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and simple. The cost isn't expensive either - it costs just PS50-PS90 for the certificate depending on the location you live in and how many gas appliances are tested.
It's affordable
When you think about the expenses of renting out a house it is likely that you don't think about the cost of gas safety inspections. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. It ensures your tenants are protected and you can provide an authentic certificate should there are any issues. Additionally, it will aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
It's also important to remember that landlords are required to keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good shape. Regular maintenance will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses serious health risk. It can be caused by defective gas boilers, cookers or fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that isn't detectable without the use of specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every property and should be checked regularly. Gas appliances should also be checked.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, you can often find a good price online by entering your postcode and then comparing quotes. Consider discounts if you are multiple properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is a further factor that may affect the cost of a security check. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas such as London are likely to pay more than those who live in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords must be aware that certain tenants may not be able to grant access to the check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicions of spying. A carefully written note outlining your motives for getting access to their home should convince them.
If the tenant is unwilling to allow the inspection, the landlord is able to take actions. This could include an 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 to them why it is necessary to conduct the gas safety inspection.