Why Landlords and Buyers Should Get Gas Safety Certificates
Gas safety certificates are essential documents that should be updated every year. The document is important to ensure the safety of both appliances as well as the tenants.
Furthermore, the document allows landlords to fulfil their legal obligations and provides peace of mind to their tenants as well as them. This article will walk you through the process of how to obtain an official gas safety certificate.
Landlords
Landlords are legally obliged to obtain gas safety certificates for their properties they lease out and not doing so can result in an indictment or fine. These checks are designed to ensure that tenants are able to safely use all gas appliances, flues, and fittings within the rental property. The law requires landlords to provide an CP12 certificate to their tenants, as well as copies of any previous certificates. If a landlord doesn't possess a valid CP12 or has not given one to a new tenant within 28 days from the date of the previous check, they could face prosecution.
The CP12 is only valid for 12 month, so it is important to arrange an annual gas safety inspection by a licensed engineer. However, landlords may find it difficult to get access to their rental property if their tenants refuse to allow inspectors to visit. Many tenants do this during the time of the pandemic as they believe it's an invasion of privacy or they think it might be fraud to monitor them. In these situations, landlords should explain the significance of the inspection to the tenant, and keep trying to gain access.
If a tenant still refuses to let the engineer in, it's worth notifying the local authority, who will then contact the landlord and provide them with suggestions on what to do next. If the situation is severe enough it could lead to the disconnection of the gas supply until access is granted.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the location of a landlord influences the cost of a CP12. The cost of a CP12 in metropolitan areas are likely to be higher than in less affluent areas of the country. This is important to consider when deciding on the amount to pay for a CP12.
Landlords should also install CO alarms in their properties to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, a landlord should display their CP12 certificate in a prominent location, so that their tenants know the property has been inspected and is safe to live in. The Health and Safety Executive could prosecute a landlord who does not adhere to the Gas Safety Regulations of 1998.
Tenants
It is your obligation as an owner to ensure that your tenants feel at ease and secure when they are renting your property. This means giving them a gas safety certificate to show that all appliances and installations are inspected and cleared by a qualified engineer. This certificate must be renewed every year. If you don't, you can face hefty fines.
Landlords must state in the tenancy agreement when the gas inspection is scheduled to take place and what the cost is likely to be. This will prevent any disputes and ensure that you are in compliance with the law. You must also give your tenants a copy their current gas safety certificate.
If your landlord is unable to carry out an inspection of gas safety and you are unable to report it, you can submit a complaint to the Health and Safety Executive. It is recommended to contact your landlord and try to reach an agreement. If you are unable reach an agreement or compromise, you can contact the HSE to oblige your landlord to conduct the checks. However, this isn't always possible and you'll need be able prove that you have taken all reasonable steps to be in compliance with the law.
A gas safety inspection is usually conducted by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Request to see their Gas Safe Register card to verify their credentials. This is a vital piece of information because only a Gas Safe certified engineer will be able to provide you with your gas safety certificate. You can find the list of certified engineers on the Gas Safe Register and it is best to choose one that is local, since this will help lower the cost.
There is no grace period in case your gas safety certificate is due to expire and it is essential to arrange a new visit immediately you notice that your CP12 expires. If you let it expire you could be at risk of a hefty fine and the appliances may not be safe to use.
Homeowners
Gas safety certificates aren't only legally required for landlords, but are is also a vital safety precaution. It guarantees that your gas appliances are in good working in good condition and can be safely used by your family. This is particularly applicable to older appliances that are more prone to leaks and damaged connections.
The gas engineer will visit your property and look over the gas infrastructure and all appliances in your home that use gas. He will prepare an assessment report, and issue you with a gas safety certificate. If he discovers any flaws or defects, he'll recommend necessary repairs to be carried out immediately. You should get these repairs done as soon as possible to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as other dangerous side effects.
A homeowner can also ask a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a test on the gas installation of their home regardless of whether or not they intend to rent the property out. It is recommended to do this at least once a year, especially if are planning to sell your home in the near future. A certificate will speed up the selling process by proving to prospective buyers that your property is secure.
Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to obtain gas safety certification. The cost of the inspection will differ dependent on the location you live in and the amount of gas appliances you have however, you should expect to pay no more than PS50 for a standard inspection. Gas Safe Register is a legal requirement that all gas engineers must be on.
If you have any queries about how to get an gas safety certificate please contact us here. We'll be happy to help you! We offer professional, high-quality gas safety certificates to landlords and homeowners throughout the UK.
Buyers
A buyer should possess a gas safety certificate for the property they are purchasing. This is important since it will allow buyers to determine any issues with the property and prevent them from incurring unnecessary expenses in the future. This will provide peace of mind knowing that the gas appliances in the home are safe to operate. The buyer should request this document from the seller as soon as they can.
Buyers can obtain an inspection for gas safety from a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the check can vary depending on the amount and kind of appliances. Typically, a boiler and a gas hob will cost around PS60 to PS90. It is a modest cost to ensure that the purchaser's new house is safe.
If what is a gas safety certificate isn't able to provide an authentic gas safety certificate, it can be problematic. A seller won't be able to rent out a property until the certificate is renewed. The seller could also face severe fines from tenants as well as the council if they are found to be lacking a gas safety certification. It is not unusual for a buyer to inquire from the owner of a property for this information.
It is still recommended that homeowners get gas safety certifications even though it is not required by law. This will help them avoid potentially fatal issues like malfunctioning appliances or carbon monoxide leaks. It can also make the property more attractive to future buyers.
If a homeowner loses their gas safety certification, they can request a replacement from the Gas Safe Register. It will cost them a small fee but it's better than denying them the chance to sell their home. You can find out more by visiting the Gas Safe Register website. You can also request a copy from your local council or gas company. It's a simple and simple procedure.