Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date Landlords need to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Infractions could result in fines and harm the security of tenants. CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Form 12. It is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record. It is a legal requirement to have your gas pipes and appliances tested each year. But some landlords have difficulty to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection cycle. It's an official requirement If you're a property owner with one property or an investor with a portfolio of rental properties, it's crucial to keep your gas safety certificates up to date. Inability to do so could result in a fine, or even prosecution. It is also advisable to have your gas appliances inspected and to show a valid certificate in each property. A gas safety certification contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the building that was inspected, the information of each appliance inspected, their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who performed the survey. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and offers suggestions on ways to fix the problem. The engineer will issue an ID code when they discover appliances that are not suitable. If the appliance is found to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an AR code. Tenants are sometimes unable to allow access to a gas safety check and this is when the relationship between landlord and tenant could be strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable measures to comply. This means making multiple attempts to conduct the checks, and writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own safety. It's also an excellent idea to include access arrangements in the Tenancy agreement. Landlords should be sure to display a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to look up the history of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build credibility as an honest landlord. This will attract more tenants. A Gas Safe registered Engineer will not only ensure that your gas equipment is secure, but a service contract can also help you save money and time in the long term. For example, many gas companies offer a discounted price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to look for the best price. It's a great idea. As a landlord it is your duty to ensure that the gas appliances in your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and correct issues before they become dangerous and more serious. Regular inspections can also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well other equipment, in good condition, allowing them to last longer. Landlords are legally required to possess an active Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of huge fines and could discover that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It is easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment. Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent checks when you've been away from your property for a long period of time. This is because appliances can be tampered with or the gas supply might have been shut off while the property is unoccupied. It's essential to have an up-to-date gas safety certificate when you are re-letting a property. This is to ensure that you can hand over keys to your new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system. It's a great idea ask your tenant to allow access to their property prior to any inspection. If they're not willing, you can send them a clearly written letter that explains why access is needed and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they refuse to comply, you can initiate the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21. When it comes to gas safety, your main responsibility is to ensure 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 by the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you don't. It's a good idea to avoid this, to get your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer. It's a pain When it concerns gas safety for landlords inspections, not everyone is happy with the situation. It is not only a legal requirement but also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by a professional. In the event that something goes wrong, it could lead to a catastrophic gas-hazard incident which is a disaster for anyone who is in or around the property. Some tenants, however aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is quite understandable. Some tenants might think it is an invasion of privacy, or believe the check could be an attempt to snoop on or track them. Landlords must remember that they have the legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so if tenants allow them access to their property. It can be frustrating for landlords to have to manage tenants who are recalcitrant, especially if they own multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to be aware that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate they could face hefty fines and tenants may not be allowed to move in until the problem is addressed. Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you have to ever repossess the property. If do homeowners need a gas safety certificate do not have a copy of the certificate, they might not be able prove that the inspections were carried out correctly. It's worth having a record in case. The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they do not provide their tenants with a copy of the certificate of gas safety within a period of 28 days following an inspection. If you are a tenant then you should ask your landlord for one immediately. Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple process. The price isn't too costly either, as it costs only PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances tested. It's affordable You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a home. This is a legal requirement that shouldn't be ignored. It ensures your tenants are safe and you can produce a valid certificate in case any issues arise. Additionally, it will save you from costly repairs in the future. Remember that landlords must also keep their appliances, pipework and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which poses a serious health risk. It can be caused by faulty fires, gas cookers, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and tasteless gas, can't be detected without special equipment. It is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and to check them frequently, as well as checking gas appliances. The cost of a landlord's gas safety test will vary slightly based on the specialist. However, you'll usually find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing quotes. It is also worth asking about discounts if there are multiple properties that must be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections. Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your house. Landlords who live in areas with high-end amenities like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less well-off regions or remote regions. Landlords should be aware that tenants may not allow access to conduct a verification. This is often due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully worded note explaining your reasons for getting access to their home will convince them to allow you access. If the tenant continues to deny access, the landlord can decide to make the inspection mandatory. This could include sending the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to communicate with the tenant and explain why it's essential to conduct a gas safety check.
do homeowners need a gas safety certificate
