Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances are in compliance with the regulations and are safe. Failure to adhere could lead to fines and could compromise the safety of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Form 12. Also called a Gas Safety Certificate, or Landlord's Gas Safety Record.It is legally required to have your gas pipes as well as appliances and flues checked every year. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to reduce their inspections.
It's a legal requirement
It is essential to keep your gas safety certificate up-to-date regardless of whether you're a landlord with one property or a rental portfolio. In the event of a failure to do this, it could result in a fine or even prosecution. There are also some practical benefits for having your gas appliances examined and a valid certificate displayed in every property.
A gas safety certificate includes details such as the date of inspection the address of the building inspected, the details of each appliance that was inspected with their current status, and the name and number of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also lists appliances that are deemed 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on how to fix the fault. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If a device is found to be at risk, but not immediately dangerous it will receive a "AR" code.
Tenants can sometimes refuse access to a gas safety inspection which is when 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 repeatedly trying to perform 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.
The landlords must also ensure that they display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will keep tenants from moving into a property that has gas appliances that are unsafe and will also allow potential tenants to review the results of safety checks. A gas safety certificate will also help you establish an image of an honest landlord. This will help you attract more tenants.
A Gas Safe registered Engineer can not only guarantee that your gas equipment is safe, but a service contract will also save you time and money in the long term. For instance, many gas companies offer a reduced price on annual Gas Safety Certificates. It is important to shop for the most affordable price.
It's a great idea
As a landlord, it is your duty to ensure that the gas appliances on your property are safe. Gas Safe engineers can perform regular inspections to find and fix problems before they become dangerous and serious. Regular inspections will also assist in keeping gas boilers, as well as other equipment, in good working condition, allowing them to last for longer.
Landlords must have the Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their property. Without these certificates, landlords are at risk of hefty fines and may find that their appliances are unsafe to use for tenants. It's a breeze to get a Gas Safety Certificate for your property by contacting a certified engineer and arranging for an appointment.
Gas Safety Regulations require a minimum of a once-a-year gas inspection. However, it is advisable to do more frequent checks if you have been away from your property for a long period of time. Gas safety regulations require a regular gas check, but it's recommended to perform more frequent gas inspections, particularly if your property has been empty for a prolonged period.
When you decide to let your property, it's important to have an up-to-date gas Safety certificate Landlord safety report before you hand over the keys to the new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if the old appliances were taken by tenants or if any work has been completed on the gas system since the last inspection.
It's a good idea to ask your tenant to grant you access to their property before any inspection. If they don't agree to allow access, you can send them an explanation in a letter of the reason behind access and the steps involved in the gas safety inspection. If they continue to refuse, you can start the eviction process with a section 21 notice.
Safety of your gas appliances is the top priority. You must carry a Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. If you don't have one, you risk losing your deposit for tenancy and possibly facing legal action from your 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 have an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
It's a hassle
When it is about landlord gas safety inspections, not everyone is satisfied with the situation. It's not only a legal requirement, however, it makes sense to make sure tenants are using appliances which have been checked by professionals. If something goes wrong, this could result in a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or around the building.
Some tenants, however aren't willing to permit these inspections. This is understandable. They might feel it's an infringement of their privacy or believe that the check might be an attempt to spy on their activities or habits. Landlords need to keep in mind that they have a legal obligation to conduct these inspections, and can only do so in the event that tenants allow access to their properties.
Having to deal with recalcitrant tenants can be a hassle particularly for landlords who have multiple properties. It's crucial for landlords to remember that if they don't get their gas safety certification and are fined, they'll face heavy penalties and the tenants could not be permitted to move in until the issue is addressed.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in the event that you ever have to repossess the property. They might not be able to prove that they've conducted the proper inspections if previous tenants didn't keep the certificate, so it's worth keeping the certificate in case.
The Health and Safety Executive can be a prosecutor for landlords who don't provide their tenants with an official copy of the certificate of gas safety within 28 days of an inspection. If you are a tenant, it is recommended to ask your landlord for one as soon as possible.
Landlords need to keep their Gas Safe certificates up to date and provide a copy with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online with a simple and quick procedure. The certificate is not expensive dependent on where you live and how many appliances are examined, it will cost between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
You probably don't think about gas safety checks when you consider the cost of renting a home. But it is an essential legal requirement that should not be ignored. It will ensure that your tenants are protected and you are able to provide an authentic certificate should any issues arise. It also helps you to avoid future expensive repairs.
Be aware that landlords must keep their pipes, appliances and flues clean. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide, a serious health hazard. It can be caused by faulty gas boilers, cookers and fires. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas, tasteless and odourless that isn't detectable without specialized equipment. It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in each home and to check them frequently, as well as checking gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. However, you'll usually find a reasonable price online by entering your postcode and comparing prices. It is also worth asking for discounts if you own multiple properties that must be checked. Some engineers offer discounts when you bundle inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that could affect the cost of a security inspection. 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 some tenants may refuse to allow access for the check. This is usually due to tenants' fear of being invaded of their privacy or suspicion of spying. A carefully worded note explaining 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 can include sending an Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether it is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to talk with the tenant and explain to them why it is necessary to conduct an inspection of gas safety.
