Landlords must make sure the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Failure to do so could lead to fines and compromise tenant safety.
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 have to be inspected annually. However, some landlords are unable to gain access to their properties and are forced to cut their inspection cycle.
It's a lawful requirement
If you're a property owner with one property or a portfolio of rental properties, it's important to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could result from failing to comply. There are other advantages for having your gas appliances inspected and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
The gas safety certificate contains information such as date of inspection, the address of the property that was inspected, the details of every appliance, their current status and the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It also lists appliances that are considered to be unsafe for use and gives suggestions for fixing the issue. If the engineer discovers unsuitable appliances they'll issue an "ID" code. If the appliance is found to be at risk 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 where the relationship between landlord and tenant may begin to get strained. However, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. This should include making several attempts to conduct the checks and then writing to the tenant explaining that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also an excellent idea to include arrangements for access in the Tenancy agreement.
The landlords must also make sure that they display a copy of their gas safety certificate in each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes that have unsafe gas appliances and allow potential future tenants to view the records of safety inspections. A gas safety certificate will also help you build an image of a responsible landlord. This will attract more tenants.
In addition to ensuring that your gas equipment is safe, signing an annual service contract with an Gas Safe Registered Engineer will save you money and time in the long term. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop around to find the lowest price.
It's a great idea.
As an owner, it is your duty to ensure the safety of any gas appliances in your property. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and address issues before they become more dangerous and serious. Regular inspections also help keep gas boilers, and other equipment, in good working condition which will allow them to last for longer.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords could face massive fines and may discover that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it's easy to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by hiring a qualified engineer and scheduling an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a yearly gas inspection. However, it is advisable to conduct more frequent inspections in the event that you have abandoned your home for a prolonged period. Gas safety regulations require a yearly gas check, however it's a good idea conduct more frequent inspections, especially if the property has been vacant for a prolonged period.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety certificate before you can hand keys to the new tenants. It is also essential to conduct a re-inspection if the old appliances have been taken by the tenants or any work has been carried out on the gas system since your last inspection.
It's a great idea request your tenant to give access to their property before any inspection. If they refuse to allow access, you can send them an email explaining the reason behind access and what's involved in the gas safety check. If they refuse to comply, you can initiate the eviction process by sending them an official notice under section 21.
When it concerns gas safety, your most important responsibility is to ensure that you have an Gas Safety Certificate for each of your gas appliances and installations. You may lose your deposit and face legal action from the local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. To avoid this, it's always recommended to schedule annual inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer and make sure that your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date.
It's a pain
Some aren't happy with the gas safety Certificate landlord safety inspections conducted by landlords. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to make sure tenants are using appliances that are inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could lead to a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
But some tenants refuse to allow access for these inspections This is understandable. Some tenants may feel that it is an invasion of their privacy or believe the check could be a ploy to spy or monitor them. Landlords should remember that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections and only do this if tenants allow them access to their homes.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle, especially for landlords with multiple properties. However, it's important for landlords to keep in mind that if they fail to obtain their gas safety certificate and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be allowed to move in until the problem is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever need to take possession of the property. They might not be able prove they've carried out the proper inspections if previous tenants haven't kept a copy, so it's worth keeping the certificate in case.
If a landlord fails to provide their tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they can be accused of trespassing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So if you're a tenant, it's best to ask your landlord for a copy as soon as you can.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to current and to share copies with their tenants. They can be purchased from Gas Safe online, and the process is quick and easy. The cost isn't expensive either - it's just PS50-PS90 for the certificate dependent on the location you live in and the number of gas appliances examined.
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 checks. But it is an essential legal requirement that should not be omitted. It will ensure that your tenants are secure and you are able to provide a valid certificate in case any problems arise. It can also save you from expensive repairs in the future.
Be aware that landlords must keep their pipes, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning which is a serious health risk. This can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless that isn't detectable without specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in every home and to check them frequently as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of the gas safety checks for landlords can vary slightly from engineer to engineer. However, it is possible to find a competitive price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. Consider discounts if you are several properties to be inspected. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle inspections together.
Another factor that affects the cost of a gas safety test is the location of your house. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas such as London will likely have to pay more than those in less affluent regions or in remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware of the possibility that tenants will refuse to allow access to conduct a check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of invasion of privacy or suspicion of snooping. A carefully composed note describing your motives for getting access to their home will convince them to allow you access.
If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, the landlord may take action. This can include giving an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if or not this is reasonable. The best way for the landlord do is contact the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is required.
