Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date

Landlords must make sure the gas appliances are safe and comply with the regulations. Failure to adhere could lead to fines and could 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 must be inspected annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspection time.

It’s an official requirement

It is essential to keep your gas safety certificates up-to-date regardless of whether you’re an owner of one property or a rental portfolio. Failure to do so could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are also some practical benefits of having your gas appliances checked and a valid certification displayed in each property.

A gas safety certificate contains information like the date of inspection and the address of the property which was inspected, the specifics of each appliance checked with their current condition, and the name and identification number of the engineer who performed the survey. It also lists appliances that are considered unsafe to use and offers suggestions on how to fix the issue. If the engineer discovers unsafe appliances they’ll issue an “ID” code. If an appliance is deemed to be in danger, but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an “AR” code.

Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas safety check which is when the relationship between landlord and tenant may begin to get strained. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 oblige landlords to take all reasonable steps to be in compliance. This includes attempting multiple times to perform the checks and inform tenants that this is a requirement to ensure their safety. It’s a good idea also to include access arrangements in the tenancy contract.

Landlords should also ensure that they display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will prevent tenants from moving into homes that have gas appliances that are unsafe, and will allow prospective tenants to view the records of safety inspections. Furthermore having a gas safety certification will help to build an image of a responsible and professional landlord, which can draw 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 time and money in the long run. Many gas companies offer discounts on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is a good idea to look around and find the best price for you.

It’s a great idea.

As a landlord, it’s your obligation to ensure the safety of all gas appliances you have in your home. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to identify and fix problems before they become more dangerous and serious. In addition, regular inspections can help to keep gas boilers and other appliances in good working order, so they’re more likely to last longer.

Landlords are legally required to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for each of the gas appliances that are installed in their homes. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe for tenants. Fortunately, it’s easy to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.

A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it’s a good idea to conduct more frequent inspections particularly if your home has been empty for an extended period of time. This is because appliances could be tampered with or the gas supply could be shut off when the property was not being used.

If you are considering letting your property, it’s important to have a current gas safety report before you hand keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required when tenants have taken away the old appliances or if any work has been done on the gas system.

It’s a good idea to request your tenant to give access to their property before any inspection. If they’re hesitant you can mail them a strongly worded letter explaining the reasons for access and what the gas safety inspections will include. If they don’t want to go through the process, you can begin the process of eviction with an official notice under section 21.

Gas safety is your number one priority. You must have a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don’t have one, you risk losing your deposit to rent 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 undergo an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.

It’s a hassle

Not everyone is happy about the gas safety inspections conducted by landlords. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea to ensure that tenants are using appliances that have been tested by professionals. After all, if something goes wrong it could result in an incredibly dangerous gas-related incident that could be a nightmare for anyone living in or around the property.

Some tenants will not allow access for these inspections, which is understandable. They might feel it’s an infringement of their privacy or suspect that the check is an attempt to spy on their activities or habits. landlord gas safety certificate uk should keep in mind that they have an obligation under law to conduct these inspections and only do this if tenants allow them access to their properties.

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 don’t obtain their gas safety certification they could face hefty fines and the tenants might not be permitted to move in until the issue is resolved.

Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you have to ever repossess the property. gas safety certificate uk may not be able prove they’ve conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants haven’t kept the certificate, so it’s worth keeping an archive in case of need.

The Health and Safety Executive can charge a landlord with a criminal offense if they do not provide their tenants with the original certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant, then you should request a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord as soon as you can.

Landlords must keep their Gas Safe certificates current and give copies to tenants. Gas Safe offers them online in a simple and fast procedure. The cost isn’t expensive either – it’s just PS50-PS90 to get the certificate, depending on where you live and the number of gas appliances examined.

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 and must not be overlooked. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you can provide a valid certificate in case any problems arise. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs in the future.

Remember that landlords should maintain their plumbing, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, a serious health risk. This can be caused by malfunctioning gas cookers, fires, and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that can’t be detected without specialist equipment. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every home, and they should be regularly checked. Gas appliances should also be inspected.

The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. You can find a good price by entering your postcode online and comparison shopping for estimates. It’s also worth asking about discounts if there are several properties that need to be inspected. Some engineers offer deals when you combine inspections.

Another aspect that influences the cost of a gas safety check is the location of your property. Landlords in metropolitan areas such as London will likely have to pay more than those who live in remote or less wealthy areas.

Landlords must be aware that tenants will refuse to allow access to conduct a security check. This is usually due fears of a breach of their privacy or suspicion that it’s a plot to track them. However, a carefully worded letter stating the reasons to gain access will convince them to let you in.

If a tenant continues to refuse access to the property, the landlord may decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This could include serving the tenant with a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide if or not this is reasonable. The most effective option for the landlord to do is to communicate with the tenant to explain the reasons why a gas safety inspection is necessary.