Blog entry by Patty Beaty
Gas Safety Certificate Cost - Why Landlords Need One
A Gas Safety Certificate cost is a legal requirement for landlords. It gives them the peace of mind knowing that their rental properties meet safety standards. It can also help to save money on charges for utilities and also prevent future problems with their appliances.
During the inspection the engineer will look for leaks or issues in the boiler, flues and other gas fittings. This can take less than 30 minutes.
Cost of Inspection
Landlords must obtain gas safety certificates, also known as a CP12 certificate, for any residential or commercial property that has gas appliances. It is legally required, and it's essential to ensure that everyone in your property protected from carbon monoxide and explosions. This might seem like a cost-effective extra, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure the security of your tenants.
The cost of the cost of a CP12 inspection will differ based on the type of property, location and quantity of appliances. The average cost of an inspection falls between PS60 and PS90, with the price rising during peak winter months when many engineers are busier.
During the inspection, a licensed gas engineer will make sure that your appliances are in good working condition and safe to use. They'll test the boiler, gas meter and all of your gas fires, as well as checking for potential hazards like loose flues, damaged joints and poor ventilation. They'll also make sure that the ventilation passages are clear and free of obstructions and that harmful gases like carbon monoxide aren't able to escape through them.
Gas safety certificates are generally issued within 30 to 60 minutes of one appliance. This could take longer for larger properties or if there are multiple issues. The engineer will then complete the CP12 form, detailing their findings and making a note of any work that needs to be completed. If they are not able to issue a certificate, then the engineer will explain the reason and offer suggestions on how to resolve the issue.
As a landlord, you're legally obliged to get your gas safety certificates renewed annually. Failure to do so could result in substantial fines, or even criminal penalties. If you do not have a valid certificate, your insurance policy may be invalidated. This is why it's worth shopping for quotes and looking for a reputable engineer who offers competitive rates.
Many companies offer bundles of inspections and other services such as boiler maintenance or servicing. They're usually less expensive than acquiring each service individually. They can also include minor repairs, so make sure to ask.
Cost of the Certificate
Gas safety certificates (also called CP12s) are legally required for landlords to must get to ensure the safety of their gas appliances and pipes. Carbon monoxide poisoning could cause death within two hours. Landlords are required to carry out these checks in all properties that have a gas supply. This includes properties which are in the care of tenants.
The cost of a gas certificate safety is contingent on the type and number of appliances that are in the property. A typical home with a single gas boiler and gas fire will cost between PS60-PS90. However, a bigger property with multiple gas appliances may cost more. The price includes the time it takes to travel for the engineer and the time it takes to inspect each appliance. It also covers the engineer's knowledge and the equipment essential for conducting these tests.
Certain firms offer bulk discounts to landlords who manage multiple properties. This will save landlords lots of money, since the cost per property decreases when the number of properties increase. You can also combine a gas check with another service such as a boiler inspection. It might cost a bit more but landlords will save time and money.
Another aspect that influences the cost of gas safety certificates is the location of the property. Some companies charge more for inspections in urban areas, whereas others are less expensive in rural areas. This is due to the fact that it takes longer for them to travel to rural areas and the engineers may be required to pay for additional fuel to travel to the location.
Additionally, the price of a gas safety certificate can vary based on the season. In the winter months, when there is a higher demand for boiler repairs and gas services the prices can rise significantly. This is because engineers are working on more projects and must be more efficient to meet the demand.
Ultimately an gas safety certificate is a vital document for any landlord. It is a way to ensure that gas appliances and pipework in the property are safe for tenants to use and can be beneficial when selling a property. It can also detect issues early to ensure that they are addressed before they cause a problem. In certain cases buyers who are interested may require the seller to provide the gas safety certificate before they can sign a contract for the purchase.
Cost of Follow-Up Work
As a landlord gas safety certificate price, you need to ensure that the gas appliances in your rental properties are safe to use. It is therefore important to have regular gas safety inspections conducted by a registered Gas Safe engineer. During this inspection, the engineer will test the gas meter, as well as all gas appliances, including gas fires, boilers, gas cookers and radiators to be sure they are in good working order and do not present any risk of poisoning with carbon monoxide.
The cost of a certification of gas safety can be dependent on a variety of factors, including the type and number of gas appliances that have to be examined. For instance, a residential property will typically have less gas appliances than commercial properties, which can reduce the cost of the inspection. Some gas engineers offer the boiler service in conjunction with a gas safety inspection, which can reduce the cost.
If the engineer finds any problems in the gas appliances on your property, they will indicate this on the Gas Safety Certificate and request that you disconnect the appliance and have it repaired. This is an obligation under the law to protect your tenants from potential dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning.
There are times when tenants aren't willing to let you in for a gas safety test. This could be due to a lack of understanding about the importance of this job, or because they feel that it is an invasion of privacy. In this case, it's best to send three separate letters demanding that they be granted access to the system so that the checks can be completed. In the ideal scenario, you would want these letters sent as'signed for delivery to prove that they have been received and you can follow up on any failure to comply.
Providing a valid gas safe certificate check safety certificate will not only make your tenants' minds at rest, but it will also help to boost the probability of selling your home when the time comes to sell. A valid certificate will show that your property is maintained and is ready for sale which will significantly increase the chances of selling.
Cost of Emergency Checks
As an owner, it is your duty to ensure that your tenants are secure and that you have the appropriate documents to prove it. This includes having a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for each appliance and installation within your property. It also means conducting regular gas safety checks with an engineer registered with the company.
The cost of an inspection for gas safety will differ based on the property, the gas engineer you select, and the issues found. The gas engineer will inspect the appliances, flues and pipework for safety and compliance with the regulations. They will also check for ventilation to decrease the danger of poisoning by carbon monoxide, inspect cooking equipment for signs of damage, and test for gas leaks.
If the heating engineer discovers any problems the issues will be noted in the gas safety certificate. Any additional action will need to be taken. For instance, if your gas fire is damaged beyond repair, it will require to be replaced. This can be expensive particularly since heating engineers charge between PS40 and PS60 per hour.
Another factor that could affect the cost of gas safety certificates is if your tenants are unable to grant access for the inspection. It could be due to an argument, or they may feel it is an invasion of privacy. You should remind them that accessing the property is a legal requirement and that the inspection will be to protect them. You should also explain to them that carbon monoxide has no odor and tastes like nothing. They could be killed if they don't remove the gas supply.
It is possible for landlords with multiple properties to negotiate a bulk price on gas safety inspections. It is worth looking online to find out what is a landlord gas safety certificate offers are available and whether there are discounts for booking multiple checks at one time. You can also sign a service agreement that covers annual gas safety checks and boiler servicing. This is a less expensive option than paying for each service individually and could save money at the end of the day.