The Importance of a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
There are many responsibilities that come when you are a landlord, especially when it comes to gas safety. Landlords need to ensure that their properties and its tenants are safe by conducting annual gas safety inspections.
This can be done by obtaining a landlord gas safety certificate. Gas engineers who are registered with Gas Safe Register can issue these certificates.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate for landlords is an official document that proves that the property's gas appliances and flues have been checked for safety by a qualified engineer. It also details what was examined along with the date and any action taken or required. It is provided to landlords who lease out their properties that they are responsible for and must be provided to tenants within 28 days following the inspection. Landlords can opt to have an Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the check or perform the check themselves by using the online tools offered by Gas Safe Register.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998 include the landlord's gas safety certificate as a legal requirement. The regulations stipulate that landlords must have gas appliances and flues examined by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year. Landlords are required to provide copies of their landlord's gas safety certificates.
What is the cost for a gas safety certificate?
The cost of a gas safety certificate for landlords can vary depending on which company you choose and where you live. It is best to get estimates from several companies prior to making a choice. It is important to hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to perform the inspection.
Gas Safe Register became law on April 6, 2018. CORGI engineers could still legally carry out inspections of rental properties until this date. Since the time, the document a landlord receives after their inspection is known as a "Gas Safety Record'. However, many refer to it as a CP12.
It is crucial that if you're a landlord and have moved out of your property, you arrange for a new gas safety certification. This will guarantee that tenants can move in with ease. This is because it's possible that the previous tenant could have damaged or removed appliances, or failed to close and shut off the emergency valve. The property is also at risk of being vandalized while it remains empty.
If you don't have a valid gas safety certificate, you'll need to get one before you can issue an Section 21 notice to evict your tenants. If you have an approved certificate, but you're planning to sell your property it is worthwhile to get an annual inspection for peace of mind. This will help your property stand out to potential buyers and increase its value.
What is the Legal Requirement for Landlords?
If you own just one property or manage several properties as a landlord, you must make sure that your rental units comply with all of the requirements for your safety and that of your tenants. This includes making sure that all gas appliances are Gas Safe registered and that you have a current landlord gas safety certificate in place. You must have a Gas Safe engineer visit your rental unit to conduct an annual inspection.
The inspection will consist of checking all of your gas appliances as well as the gas pipes, flues and vents. It will also ensure that there is enough ventilation to ensure the safe operation of appliances. If the engineer finds any problems, he will inform you of the issue and issue a fresh gas safety certificate. Landlords must provide an original copy of this certificate to their tenants within 28 days after the check being completed. They must also give new tenants an original copy at the beginning of their tenure.
If a landlord does not comply with the relevant regulations, they could face penalties from the Health and Safety Executive. This could result in a formal warning or, in severe instances, prosecution. It is therefore important to keep up with your landlord gas safety checks to avoid any fines or other consequences.
In any room equipped with a gas appliance it is essential to ensure that there are smoke alarms as well as carbon dioxide alarms. These alarms must also be functioning properly. Landlords are also required to provide their tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record, formerly the CORGI CP12, and display it prominently in the building.
In 2018, the rules governing gas safety checks for landlords were changed to allow greater flexibility without compromising on tenant safety. The landlords are now able to have their gas safety checks completed at a time that is convenient to them, instead of waiting until the 12-month period has expired. This has improved both the maintenance and service planning for landlords and tenants. Landlords who fail to adhere to the rules and requirements stipulated in the Gas Safety Regulations 2018, could be prosecuted.
How to Get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
A landlord's gas safety certificate is also referred to as a Gas Safety Record (CP12) and is a crucial legal document which proves that all gas appliances, flues and pipework inside the rental property have been inspected and confirmed to be safe. Landlords are required by law to conduct an annual inspection of the property's gas systems and give tenants an official copy of the certificate within 28 days after the inspection. A fine could be issued if you fail to comply.
It is essential to use fully trained and registered Gas Safe engineers when getting your CP12 landlord gas safety certificates. A Gas Safe engineer will perform an extensive test of each gas appliance and flue on your property, ensuring that they are in good working order. The engineer will search for signs of unsafe operation, and document them in the report. This is then combined into the certificate. During the inspection, the engineer will also check that any appliances or gas fittings are vented properly and have proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Landlords are also legally obliged to put in inspection hatches on their properties to ensure that the engineer can reach them during the annual gas safety checks. Tenants are not able to refuse access to the property to conduct this inspection, as it is a legal requirement under British regulations. However it is highly recommended to educate your tenants on the importance of cooperating with the inspection process and make sure they are aware about their obligations.
A CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords is a must for anyone renting out their property. It's also recommended for homeowners to ensure the safety of their family members and household. You can easily order your CP12 online or over the phone by providing the necessary details and paying the fee. A local assessor will then contact you within two days to verify the details and schedule an appointment to visit your home for the assessment. The whole process is fast and simple and you can be at ease knowing that your CP12 is up to date.
Why should you get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
As a landlord, it is your obligation to have gas appliances regularly serviced and their safety checked. If there is an accident with a gas appliance, you may be prosecuted or fined for failing to perform this service. Not only that, it is important to ensure the security of your tenants as well. heating engineer milton keynes can help to spot problems with appliances, which will allow you to repair them before they cause any harm. This helps ensure that your tenants are safe and comfortable at home, and it also ensures that your gas appliances last longer.
Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations of 1998) states that landlords must arrange for an engineer licensed and qualified to perform a safety inspection for all gas appliances within any property they rent. The engineer is required to issue the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate when they have completed the inspection. The document should contain information about the property and the engineer, as well as details of the gas appliances that were examined.
A landlord should give a copy to all current tenants and give a copy to new tenants when they move into. It is recommended that landlords also keep copies of the certificate for themselves, since it can be helpful in the event of any disputes with tenants over the safety of their appliances.
Landlords who own multiple properties will notice that working with a company who offers a variety of services, such as gas safety certificates, is much easier. This can help you save time and money by ensuring that all your annual checks maintenance, repairs and servicing are handled by a single company. This reduces the chance of making mistakes since the technician is familiar with your home and its gas system.
You can get in touch with a Gas Safe registered engineer by visiting the website of the organisation or by calling the helpline. A member of staff can advise you on the best way to service your gas appliances, and can also provide the landlord with a gas safety certificate for Milton Keynes.