Why Landlords and Buyers Should Get Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate is an important document that needs to be updated every year. This document is essential for ensuring the safety of both the appliances as well as the tenants.
Additionally, the document permits landlords to fulfil their legal obligations and gives peace of mind for them and their tenants. This article will guide you through the steps to obtain a gas safety certification.
Landlords
Landlords must obtain gas safety certificates to rent out their properties. Failure to obtain these certificates could result in a fine, or even a prison sentence. These checks are designed to ensure that all gas appliances as well as flues, fittings and other appliances within a building are safe to use by tenants. The law requires landlords to provide an CP12 certification along with copies of previous certificates to their tenants. A landlord who doesn't have a valid CP12 certificate or hasn't given one to a tenant within 28 days of the last inspection could be charged with a crime.
The CP12 is valid for 12 months, which means it is essential to schedule an annual check-up with an experienced Gas Safe engineer. However, a landlord might be unable to gain access to their rental property if their tenants refuse permission for the inspectors to visit. Many tenants are reluctant to grant inspectors access during the pandemic, believing it is an invasion of their privacy or an attempt to deceive. In these instances the landlord has to explain to their tenant the importance of the inspection and make numerous attempts to gain entry.
If a tenant continues to refuse to allow the engineer in, it's worth notifying the local authority, who will then contact the landlord and offer advice on what to do next. If the situation becomes serious enough it could lead to the disconnection of the gas supply until access is granted.
Another thing to think about is the fact that the location of a landlord affects the cost of a CP12. Prices in metropolitan areas will likely be higher than those in less affluent regions of the country and it's crucial to take this into account when deciding on the amount to pay for a CP12.
Landlords should also install CO alarms on their properties to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. A landlord should also display their CP12 certification at a prominent spot so that tenants are aware that the property has been checked and is safe to inhabit. If a landlord is not following their obligations under the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive.
Tenants
It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that your tenants are at ease and secure when they are renting your property. Gas safety certificates are required to show that all appliances and installation have been inspected by a certified engineer. You must also renew this certificate every year. You could be punished a lot if do not.
Landlords need to state in the tenancy agreement when the gas inspection will take place and what the costs are likely to be. This will avoid any disputes and ensure that you are in compliance with the law. It is also necessary to provide your tenants with an original copy of the gas safety certificate prior to their move in.
If your landlord does not perform an inspection of gas safety, you can report them to the Health and Safety Executive. It is recommended to talk with your landlord in order to find a compromise. If you are unable reach an agreement, you can ask the HSE to force your landlord to carry out the checks. However this isn't always feasible and you'll need be able prove that you've made all reasonable efforts to comply with the law.
A gas safety test is usually carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. You should ask for their Gas Safe Register card to confirm their credentials. This is important information since only a Gas Safe certified engineer will be able issue you your gas safety certificate. You can locate a list of qualified engineers on the Gas Safe Register and it is recommended to select one in your area because this will reduce the cost.
If your gas safety certificate is expired, there is no grace period. Therefore, it is essential to make an appointment with a gas safety expert as soon as you can. If you let it expire you could be in danger of a hefty penalty and the appliance may not be safe to use.
Homeowners
Gas safety certificates are not only legally required for landlords but is also a vital safety precaution. It ensures that your gas appliances are in good order and can be safely used by your family. This is especially true in relation to older appliances, since they are more susceptible to leaks and connections that aren't working properly.
The gas engineer will visit your property and inspect the entire gas infrastructure, along with all appliances in your home that run on gas. He will write an assessment report, and issue you a gas safety certificate. If gas certificate detects any faults or flaws, he will suggest repairs that must be made immediately. You should get these repairs completed as soon as you can to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as other potentially harmful side effects.
A homeowner could also ask an Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a test on their gas installation regardless of whether or not they are planning to lease the property out. It is advisable to do this at least once per year, especially if you plan on selling your property in the future. A certificate can help accelerate the process of selling by proving that your property has been inspected and is safe for potential buyers to live in.
Our user-friendly platform makes it simple to get gas safety certification. The cost of the inspection will differ according to your location and quantity of gas appliances however, you should expect to pay no more than PS50 for a standard inspection. You should always make sure that the gas technicians you hire are on the Gas Safe Register, as it is an obligation for anyone who is planning to work with gas.
If you have any questions regarding how to obtain a gas safety certificate please contact us here. We're happy to assist! We offer professional, high-quality gas safety certificates to homeowners and landlords across the UK.
Buyers
A buyer should obtain an insurance certificate for gas safety for the property they are purchasing. This is crucial because it will help buyers to identify any issues in the property and help prevent them from incurring unnecessary costs later on. It will also give them peace of assurance that the gas appliances and pipework in the house are safe to use. A buyer should ask the seller to provide this document as soon as they can.
Buyers can receive a gas safety check from a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the check will depend on the number of appliances you have and what type of appliance they are. A boiler and one gas hob can cost between PS60 to PS90. This is a minimal price to pay for ensuring that the new home is safe to live in.
It could be a problem when a seller is unable to provide a valid certificate of gas safety. This is because the seller is not able to rent out the property until they renew it. The seller may also be subject to severe fines from tenants as well as the council if found to be lacking an official gas safety certificate. It is not unusual for a buyer who is interested to inquire about this information from the sellers of a property.
Although homeowners aren't legally required to carry an official gas safety certificate but it is advisable for them to do so. This will help them avoid potentially fatal issues like faulty appliances or carbon monoxide leaks. Additionally, it may make the home more attractive to prospective buyers in the future.
If a homeowner loses their gas safety certification, they can request a replacement from the Gas Safe Register. It will cost a small amount, but is better than not being able to sell your home. You can learn more on the Gas Safe Register website. You can also request a copy from your local council or gas company. This is a fast and easy process.