The Importance of a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
Landlords are responsible for a variety of things especially in the area of gas safety. Landlords must ensure that their property and tenants are secure by conducting annual gas safety inspections.
This can be done by obtaining a landlord gas safety certificate. Gas engineers registered with Gas Safe Register can issue these certificates.
What is what is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (LGC)?
A gas safety certificate issued by a landlord is a legal document that proves that the property's gas appliances and flues were inspected for safety by a certified engineer. It also lists the items that were checked along with the date and any action taken or action required. It is provided to landlords who lease properties that they are responsible for and must be provided to any tenants within 28 days of the check being conducted. Landlords can choose to hiring a Gas Safe registered Engineer to perform the check, or they can utilize the online tools provided by Gas Safe Register.
The gas safety certificate for landlords is a crucial element of the legal requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The regulations require that landlords must have their gas appliances and flues checked by an Gas Safe registered technician every year. Landlords are required to supply copies of their landlord gas safety certificates.
What is the cost of a gas safety certification?
The cost of a landlord's gas safety certificate is subject to change depending on the company you select and the area where you live. It is best to get quotes from several companies prior to making a choice. You should ensure you hire an Gas Safe registered engineer to perform the inspection.
As of April 6, 2018, CORGI engineers were still legally able to conduct checks on rental properties, however, after that date the Gas Safe Register came into effect. The form that a landowner receives following an inspection has been renamed the Gas Safety Record, however, many still refer to it under the old name of a CP12.
It is essential that if you are a landlord and have vacated your property, you arrange for a new gas safety certificate. This will ensure that tenants are able to move in with ease. It is possible that the previous tenant might have damaged or removed appliances or perhaps failed to close and shut off the emergency control valve. The property is also susceptible to vandalism even if it remains empty.
If you don't have a valid gas safety certificate, you'll require one prior to the time you can issue a Section 21 notice to expel your tenants. Even even if you have a gas safety certificate that is valid, if you are planning to sell your house it is still recommended to get an annual check. This will make your home more attractive to buyers and increase its value.
What are the legal requirements for landlords?
You must ensure that your rental properties are in compliance with all regulations, both for your own safety and your tenants'. This includes making sure that all gas appliances are Gas Safe registered and that you have a current landlord gas safety certificate. You must have a Gas Safe engineer visit your rental unit to conduct an annual inspection.
The inspection will include checking every gas appliance you own, all gas flues and piping and also making sure there is sufficient ventilation for the safe operation of the appliance. If the engineer finds any issues, they will notify you of the issues and issue a new gas safety certificate. Landlords must provide a copy of this to their tenants within 28 days after the check having been completed. They must provide new tenants with an original copy at the beginning of their tenancy.
The Health and Safety Executive could apply penalties to landlords who fail to comply with relevant regulations. In extreme cases the Health and Safety Executive could pursue a landlord for prosecution. It is imperative that you keep up with your landlord gas safety checks to avoid any fines or other consequences.
You must also make sure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are equipped in any room with gas appliances and that they function properly. Landlords are also required to provide their tenants with 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 have been changed to allow for more flexibility, without compromising the safety of tenants. The landlords can now get their gas safety inspections done at a time that is convenient for them, instead of waiting until the 12-month period expires. This has aided in maintenance planning and improved the overall service for both landlords and tenants. Landlords that fail to adhere to the rules and regulations laid in the Gas Safety Regulations 2018 may be subject to prosecution.
How do I get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
A gas safety certificate for a landlord, also known as a Gas Safety Record or CP12 is a crucial legal document that proves all the gas appliances, flues and pipework in your rental property have been tested and confirmed as safe. Landlords are legally required to conduct an annual inspection of their gas systems and give tenants a copy of the certificate within 28 days after the inspection. A fine could be imposed if you fail to comply.
When obtaining your CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords, you must to only work with Gas Safe engineers who are fully certified and registered. Gas Safe engineers will test each gas appliance on your home and in the flue to ensure they are working properly. The engineer will search for indications of unsafe operation, and document them in the report. This is then combined into the certificate. During the inspection the engineer will check that all gas fittings and appliances have adequate ventilation and are properly vented to avoid carbon monoxide.
Landlords also have to install inspection hatches on their properties to allow the engineer access to the property during the annual gas safety inspection. Tenants are not able to deny access to the property for this reason since it is a legal requirement under British regulations. However it is highly advised to inform your tenants on the importance of participating in the inspection process and make sure that they are aware about their obligations.
A CP12 gas safety certificate for landlords is an absolute requirement for any landlord who rents out their property. It's also recommended for homeowners to ensure the safety of their family and household. You can get your CP12 by telephone or online. All you need to provide is the required information. The local assessor will reach out to you within two business days to confirm the information and to schedule an appointment to visit your property. The entire process is fast and easy and you can be at ease knowing that your CP12 is current.
Why should you get a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
As an owner, it is your legal responsibility to have gas appliances serviced and checked at least once a year. If you don't perform this you could face fines or even prosecuted in the event of an accident that involves a gas appliance. Not only that, but it is essential to ensure the security of your tenants too. Regular inspections will help detect issues with appliances, allowing you to fix them before they cause harm. This will ensure that your tenants remain at ease and secure in their homes and ensure that your gas appliances last.
Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations of 1998) state that landlords are required to find a qualified and licensed engineer to conduct a safety check on all gas appliances in any rental property they own. The engineer is required to issue the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate when they have completed the inspection. The document should include details about the property and the engineer as well as details of the gas appliances that were checked.
A landlord must give a copy of the certificate to tenants currently residing there, and must give new tenants a copy when they move in. It is suggested that landlords keep a copy of the certificate for themselves. This is useful in the event of disagreements between landlords and tenants about the security of appliances.
Landlords who own multiple properties will find it much easier to partner with a company that provides a range of services, including gas safety certificates. You will save time as well as money by having all your annual inspections, servicing and repairs taken care of by the same company. milton keynes gas engineers can also reduce the risk of error since the same engineer is familiar with your property and the gas systems.
You can reach a Gas Safe registered engineer by visiting the official website or by calling the helpline. A member of staff can provide you with a landlord gas certificate milton keynes and provide advice on how to maintain your gas appliances.