Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate (also called a CP12 Landlord Certificate) is legal document that proves that the installations, appliances and pipework in a building comply with specific safety standards. This is a vital requirement for landlords. It helps to avoid dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is enough ventilation, and much more.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate is evidence that the gas appliances and pipes in a property have all been inspected by a certified professional. Gas safety certificates are vital for those renting out their apartment, home, or studio and cottages, lake houses and studios that use gas appliances. The certificate also indicates that the installation and appliances conform to all current safety and health regulations. Without a gas safety certification owners could be charged an imposed fine or even jail time in the event of any issues with the pipework or appliance.
The document will usually include information about the engineer that carried out the inspection, including their name and registration numbers. It also lists the date of the check and any findings not noted. Signing the document ensures its authenticity and accountability for the inspection.
In addition to the information about the gas engineer and property, the certificate also includes information on all the appliances within the property that were examined. The gas appliances are likely to be classified as non-compliant (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID), or At Risk (AR). Any of the appliances that are considered to pose a danger to the health of the occupants and safety must be removed from the premises before the new certificate can be issued.
The law requires landlords to have their gas installations and appliances regularly inspected. Inspections are designed to spot dangers that could arise and aid in preventing injuries or accidents caused by faulty or improperly installed gas appliances. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that their tenants have access the gas safety certificate.
If a landlord attempts to sell their property using an expired gas safety certificate, they could be breaking the law and could be subject to hefty fines or even prison time. It is therefore crucial to keep a gas safety certification up-to date at all times.
If a landlord is planning to sell their property, having an official gas safety certificate can increase the chances of a speedy sale by putting potential buyers at ease about the condition of the appliances and installation. It can also be used to market the property when advertising it for sale.
Who needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate is required by law for any tenant who moves into the property of a landlord. This document serves as documented proof that the landlord has organised for all appliances and flues to be serviced and inspected by a qualified engineer, and it's an essential element of ensuring that any gas appliances installed in the property are safe to use.
If a landlord fails to meet their obligations and conducts an inspection, they are at risk of being slapped with a substantial fine. Landlords could also be held liable for any accidents or deaths that could occur as a result of not having a current certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required for homeowners, but it is recommended they have their appliances and piping inspected regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that everything is in good working in good working order. This is especially important for homeowners who intend to sell their home, as buyers often request a gas safety certificate prior to deciding to make an offer.
Generally speaking, the header of the CP12 will include details about the engineer who performed the inspection. This should include their name as well as their registration number and the date of the inspection. The report's body will provide the findings of the inspection and include whether appliances or pipework was deemed unsafe or needed repair. If problems are identified, an engineer will request permission to shut off the gas supply and recommend any repair needed.
Tenants must also be provided with a copy of the CP12 whenever possible after the inspection is completed. For tenants who are already tenants, this should be within 28 days of the inspection. It's recommended to give new tenants a copy before they move in to ensure that they are aware of any issues that may affect their security. Landlords should also keep a copy of their old CP12 gas safety certificates as this can assist them in proving they've met their obligations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform enables you to swiftly and easily organize a gas inspection if you are a landlord or homeowner.
Gas Safety Certificate
If you are a landlord and don't have a gas safety certificate, you must obtain one as soon as possible. This is a requirement by law and ensures the safety of your tenants in your property. The process is simple and if you choose a firm that specializes in this type of inspection, they can assist you all the process. If they do not adhere to the law, landlords could face massive fines and even prison time. It is safer to be safe rather than regretting it.
It is the responsibility of landlords to schedule an annual gas safety inspection to be carried out on the appliances in their properties. They also have to provide their tenants with an original gas safety certificate prior to when they move into the property. This gives them peace of mind that the appliances in their new home are safe, and it is a way of proving that they have fulfilled their legal obligations.
In a safety audit the engineer will examine every gas appliance and pipework throughout the property to ensure that they are safe. The engineer will look for carbon monoxide which can be deadly if inhaled at a high level. It is generated by appliances that aren't burning properly. The engineer will also ensure that the flues and property are free of gas leaks.
Landlords who are planning to sell their property may be surprised to learn that potential buyers require proof of gas safety checks that have been done on the property. This can be a big selling point for the property and it can help to accelerate the process of selling.
If a landlord does not have a valid certificate of gas safety, they must obtain one before putting the property up for sale. This will reassure buyers that the property is safe and may increase interest. If the seller cannot produce a valid gas safety certificate, the sale could fall through completely.
Keeping a Gas Safety Certificate
Gas is used as an energy source in millions of homes and businesses. Therefore, there are strict rules in place to ensure that gas systems in these buildings are safe and will not cause harm. Gas Safe registered engineers conduct regular inspections and checks to confirm this. The property's landlord is responsible for scheduling these tests and for keeping the records of them. The results can be communicated to tenants to inform them that their landlord takes their security seriously.
Landlords are also reminded that a Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. As such, they should make sure to book an appointment to take a new test and certification before this date. This will allow them to avoid any penalties or charges for late appointments. It is also an excellent idea to schedule the inspection with the same engineer each time, since this will save time and money.
It is essential that the landlord is prepared before the inspection. This includes clearing rooms to ensure that the inspector is able to access all areas of the property without any problems. It is also beneficial to clear out any items that are flammable or clothing that may be near gas appliances. This will help stop any accidental ignitions from these items and reduce the risk of fire.
The gas engineer will carry out an extensive inspection of all gas appliances and installations inside the property. The gas engineer will make sure that the appliance functions properly and that the pipes are safe, and that it can flow freely through the property. They will also check that any carbon monoxide that is the biproduct of gas combustion, is transferred to the outside instead of being confined to the property.
gas safety certificate and boiler service will then issue the Gas Safety Certificate to the landlord. The certificate will provide the findings of the inspection and will specify whether or not gas appliances are classified as not in compliance with current Standards or Immediately Dangerous or at Risk. Landlords should keep a copy of this record for their own records and then provide it to tenants within 28 days. They should also provide a copy to new tenants at the start of their lease.