A gas safety certificate is an essential document that must be reviewed annually. This document is essential to ensure the safety of the appliances and also the safety of the tenants.
Additionally, the document permits landlords to meet their legal obligations and gives peace of mind for them and their tenants. This article will help you understand the process of how to obtain gas safety certificates.Landlords
Landlords must obtain gas safety certificates before renting out their properties. In the event of a non-compliant tenant, it could result in a fine or even a prison sentence. These tests are designed to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings and flues within the property are safe for use by tenants. The law requires landlords to give a CP12 certification along with copies of their previous certificates to tenants. A landlord who doesn't have an active CP12 certificate or hasn't provided one to tenants within 28 days of the last check could be prosecuted.
The CP12 is valid only for 12 months, so it is essential to schedule an annual gas safety inspection by a qualified engineer. However, a landlord may find it difficult to get 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 that it is an invasion of their privacy or a scam. In these instances the landlord has to explain to their tenant the significance of the inspection, and make several attempts to gain entry.
If a tenant continues to refuse to let the engineer in, it's worth notifying the local authority. They should then call the landlord and give them advice on what to do next. If the situation becomes serious enough it could lead to the disconnection of gas supply until access is granted.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the location of a landlord can impact the cost of the CP12. Prices in areas with high population density will likely be higher than in less affluent regions of the country. This is important to think about when deciding how much to pay for a CP12.
The landlords must also install CO alarms on their properties to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. A landlord should also show their CP12 certification at a prominent spot so that tenants are aware that the property has been checked and is safe to live in. If a landlord isn't complying with their obligations under the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive.
Tenants
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your tenants are safe and secure in the property you lease out. This means providing them with a gas safety certification to prove that all installations and appliances are inspected and cleared by a professional engineer. You must also renew the certificate every year. If you don't, you can face hefty fines.
In the tenancy agreement, landlords should mention when the gas inspection is scheduled and the cost. This will avoid any disputes and ensure that you are in compliance with the law. It is also important to give your tenants a copy of their current gas safety certificate.
If your landlord does not carry out a gas safety check and you are unable to report it, you can submit a complaint to the Health and Safety Executive. However, it is best to speak with your landlord and try to reach a compromise. If you cannot reach a solution with your landlord, you may ask the HSE oblige him to conduct the checks. It's not always feasible and you'll have to prove that you've taken all reasonable steps in order to comply with the laws.
A gas safety test is usually performed by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer. You should be able to check their credentials by asking for their Gas Safe Register ID card. This is a crucial piece of information because only a Gas Safe certified engineer can issue you with your gas safety certificate. You can locate the list of certified engineers on the Gas Safe Register and it is best to choose one who is local as this will help to lower the cost.
There is no grace period in case your gas safety certificate expires therefore it is imperative to arrange a new visit immediately you notice that your CP12 has expired. You could be facing a significant fine if you let the gas safety certificate expire. Appliances may also be unsafe to use.
Homeowners
Gas safety certificates are not only legally required for landlords but also a vital safety measure. It assures that your gas appliances are safe to use and in good working order. This is especially true in relation to older appliances as they are more vulnerable to faulty connections and leaks.
The gas engineer will visit your property and look over the gas infrastructure along with all appliances in your home that use gas. The engineer will then prepare a report and issue you with the gas safety certificate. If he finds defects or faults, he will recommend repairs be completed immediately. The repairs must be carried out immediately to minimize the risk of carbon dioxide poisoning and other harmful side effects.
A homeowner may also request a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out a check on their gas system regardless of whether or not they intend to lease it out. It is recommended to do this at least once every year, particularly if intend to sell your property in the near future. A certificate can help accelerate the process of selling by proving that the property has been inspected and is safe for prospective buyers to live in.
Our user-friendly platform makes it simple to arrange a gas safety certification. The cost will vary depending on the location and amount of gas appliances in your home however, you should expect to pay less than PS50 for an inspection. Gas Safe Register is a legal requirement that all gas engineers must be on.
Contact us here if you have any questions regarding how to get gas safety certificate to obtain a gas safety certification. We're happy to assist! We offer professional, high-quality gas safety certificates to landlords and homeowners across the UK.
Buyers
A buyer should possess an official gas safety certificate for the property they are buying. This is important as it allows buyers to identify any issues with the property and prevent them from incurring unnecessary costs down the road. It also gives them peace of peace of mind knowing that gas appliances and pipework in the house are safe to use. The buyer should request this document from the seller as soon as is possible.
Buyers can receive an assessment of gas safety by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The cost of the check will depend on the number of appliances you own and the type they are. A gas and boiler hob typically cost between PS60 and PS90. This is a small fee to ensure that the buyer's new home is safe.
It can be problematic If a seller does not have an official certificate of gas safety. The seller won't be able to rent out the 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 not have the gas safety certification. It is not unusual for buyers to inquire about this information from the seller of the property.
It is still recommended that homeowners obtain an official gas safety certificate even though it's not legally required. This will help them to avoid issues like faulty gas appliances or leaks of carbon monoxide that could be deadly. In addition, it could make the home more attractive to prospective buyers in the near 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 it's better than not being able sell your home. Find out more on the Gas Safe Register website. You can also request a copy through your local council or gas company. This is a fast and simple process.
