Why Landlords and Buyers Should Get Gas Safety Certificates
Gas safety certificates are vital documents that need to be updated each year. The document is important to ensure the safety of the appliances and tenants.
The document also permits landlords to fulfill their legal obligations and gives them and their tenants peace of mind. This article will guide you through the steps to obtain a gas safety certificate.
Landlords
Landlords are legally obliged to get gas safety certificates for the properties they rent out and failure to do this could result in an indictment or fine. These tests are designed to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings and flues within a building are safe for use by tenants. The law requires landlords provide a CP12 certification as well as copies of previous certificates to their tenants. A landlord who doesn't have an active CP12 certificate or has not provided one to a tenant within 28 days of the last check could be charged with a crime.
The CP12 is valid for 12 months, which means it's important to arrange an annual inspection by an experienced Gas Safe engineer. If tenants refuse to allow inspectors access to their rental property, it might be difficult for a landlord to gain access. Many tenants are reluctant to grant inspectors access during the outbreak, believing it is an invasion of their privacy or an attempt to deceive. In these situations, landlords should explain the significance of the inspection to their tenant, and then make multiple attempts to gain entry.
If the tenant refuses to allow the engineer to access the premises, it's worth notifying the local authorities, who will contact the landlord and provide suggestions on what to do. If the situation is severe enough the gas supply may be disconnected until the tenant is able to allow access.
Another factor to take into consideration is that the location of a landlord can impact the cost of a CP12. Prices in areas with high population density tend to be higher than those in less affluent parts of the country, and it's important to consider this when deciding how much to spend on the CP12.
Landlords must also ensure that their properties have CO alarms in place, as they can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. A landlord should also display their CP12 certification in a prominent place to ensure that tenants know that the property has been checked and is safe for them to live in. The Health and Safety Executive could charge a landlord for not follow the Gas Safety Regulations of 1998.
Tenants
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your tenants are safe and comfortable in the property you lease. This means giving them a gas safety certificate to prove that all installations and appliances have been inspected and cleared by a professional engineer. You must also renew the certificate annually. If you don't do this, you could be liable for fines.
In the Tenancy agreement, landlords must stipulate the date and time when the gas inspection is scheduled and what the cost will be. This will prevent any disputes, and make sure you are in compliance with the law. It is also necessary to give your tenants a copy of the current gas safety certificate prior to their move in.
If your landlord fails to conduct a gas safety check, you can report them to the Health and Safety Executive. However, it is best to get in touch with your landlord and attempt to come up with an agreement. If you are unable come to an agreement then you can request the HSE to oblige your landlord to conduct the checks. It's not always feasible and you'll need to show that you've taken all reasonable steps in order to be in compliance with the law.
Gas safety checks are generally carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers. Request to see their Gas Safe Register card to verify their credentials. This is a crucial piece of information as only a Gas Safe certified engineer will be able issue you with a gas safety certificate. You can find an extensive list of certified engineers on the Gas Safe Register and it is best to choose one who is local because this will reduce the cost.
If your gas safety certificate is expired, there is no grace period. It's therefore important to schedule an appointment with a gas safety expert whenever you can. You could face a heavy fine if you let your gas safety certificate lapse. Appliances could also be unsafe to use.
Homeowners
Having a gas safety certificate for your home is not only a legal requirement for landlords, but also an important safety measure. It assures you that your gas appliances are in good order and are safe to use by your family. This is particularly true with regard to older appliances, as they are more prone to faulty connections and leaks.
The gas engineer will visit your home and examine the entire gas infrastructure, along with all home appliances that use gas. The engineer will then prepare a report and issue you with the gas safety certificate. If he finds any faults or defects, he will suggest repairs that must be completed immediately. It is important to get these repairs completed as soon as you can to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as other harmful side effects.
A homeowner can also ask an Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a test on their gas system regardless of whether or not they intend to lease the property out. This should be done at least every year, especially if you plan to sell your home in the near future. A certificate can speed up the sales process by showing potential buyers that your property is secure.
Getting a gas safety certificate is a straightforward procedure that is arranged via our user-friendly platform in just a few clicks. The cost of the inspection will vary 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 basic check. Gas Safe Register is a legal requirement that all gas engineers must be on.
Contact us here if have any questions about how to get a gas safety certification. We're here to help! We offer high-quality, professional gas safety certificates to homeowners and landlords across the UK.
Buyers
A buyer must have a gas safety certificate for the property they're buying. This is important because it can help buyers to identify any issues with the property and avoid costly repairs later on. gas safety certificate landlord Milton Keynes Gas Safety gives them peace of mind knowing that the gas appliances and pipework within the house are safe for use. The buyer should ask for this document from the seller as soon as is possible.
Buyers can receive an inspection for gas safety by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the inspection will vary based on the number and type of appliances. A boiler and one gas hob can cost between PS60 to PS90. This is a minimal price to pay for ensuring that the buyer's new home is safe to live in.
It could be a problem when a seller is unable to provide an authentic certificate of gas safety. A seller will not be able to rent out an apartment until the certificate is renewed. Sellers could also face heavy fines from tenants and the council if found be lacking an official gas safety certificate. It is not unusual for a buyer to inquire from the seller of a property for this information.
It is still recommended that homeowners get an official gas safety certificate, even though it is not required by law. This will allow them to avoid potential fatal issues like faulty appliances or carbon monoxide leaks. In addition, it could make the property more appealing to prospective buyers in the future.
Gas Safe Register will provide the homeowner with a duplicate certificate if they has lost their gas safety certificate. It's a modest amount, but is better than not being able to sell your home. 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 procedure that should not take long at all.