Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate (also called a CP12, Landlord Certificate) is an official document that confirms that the appliances, installations and pipework within a property comply with specific safety standards. This is a vital requirement for landlords. It can help prevent dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is adequate ventilation and more.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certification is proof that the gas appliances and pipes of the property have been examined by a qualified professional. Gas safety certificates are essential for anyone renting out their apartment, home, or studio as well as cottages, lake houses and studios that utilize gas appliances. The certificate also demonstrates that the appliances and installation comply with all current safety and health regulations. Without a gas safety certification, occupants could face penalties of imprisonment or fines 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, as well as registration numbers. It also displays the date of the check and any findings not noted. The signature on the document confirms its authenticity and accountability for the inspection.
In addition to information about the gas engineer as well as the property, the certificate includes information on all the appliances within the property that were inspected. The gas appliances will typically be classified as Non-Compliant (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID), or At Risk (AR). Before a new certificate can issued, any appliance that pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants need to be removed.
Landlords are required by law to have their gas appliances and installations inspected regularly. Inspections are conducted in order to find dangers that could be present, and can help avoid accidents that are caused by improperly installed or faulty gas appliances. Landlords are also responsible for making sure that their tenants have access to a copy of the gas safety certificate for their property.
If a landlord tries to sell their property with an expired gas safety certificate, they could be in violation of the law and may face hefty fines or even prison time. It is therefore crucial to keep a gas safety certificate up-to date at all times.
When a landlord is preparing to sell their property, having an official gas safety certificate can enhance the chances of a speedy sale by putting prospective buyers' minds at rest regarding the condition of the appliances and their installation. It can also serve as an argument for selling the property for sale.
Who needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are required by law to provide a gas safety certificate to every tenant that moves into their property. This document serves as documented proof that the landlord has arranged for all appliances and flues to have their service and inspected by a qualified engineer, and it's crucial to ensure that all gas appliances within the property are safe to use.
If the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations and conducts an inspection, they are at risk of receiving a substantial fine. Landlords can also be held liable for any injuries or deaths that may be caused by not having a valid certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required by homeowners, but it's still recommended that they have their appliances and piping examined regularly by a certified technician to ensure everything is in good working order. This is particularly important if they plan to sell their home, as potential buyers are likely to ask to see the gas safety record prior to completing the purchase.
In general, the header should include information on the engineer who conducted the inspection. This should include their name, registration number, and the date of the inspection. The body of the report will detail the findings of the inspection, including whether appliances or pipework was found to be unsafe or required repairs. If any issues were identified, the engineer will generally seek permission to cut off any gas supply and suggest any repairs needed.
Landlords are also required to give tenants a CP12 copy as soon as they can following the conclusion of the inspection. For boiler service and gas safety certificate who are already tenants it should be done within 28 days of the inspection, and it's a good idea to give new tenants a copy of the CP12 before they move in to ensure they are aware of any issues that could affect their security. Landlords should also keep a copy of their old CP12 gas safety certificates since this can help them demonstrate that they've met their obligations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform allows you to quickly and easily schedule a gas inspection, whether you are a landlord or homeowner.
Obtaining an Gas Safety Certificate
You must obtain an official gas safety certificate if you are a landowner. This is legally required and assures your tenants are secure in your home. If you select a company who is specialized in this type of inspection, they will be able to guide you through the procedure. If they do not adhere to the law, landlords could face heavy fines or even prison time. It is better to be safe instead of regretting.
It is the landlord's responsibility to organize an annual gas safety test to be carried out on the appliances in their homes. The landlord is also required to provide their tenants a copy prior to they move into their new home. This will provide them with peace of mind that the appliances are safe in their new home. It is also an evidence that they have met their obligations.
During the safety inspection, an engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the home. This is to ensure that they are safe. They will be looking for signs like carbon monoxide, which can be produced when appliances aren't properly burning and can cause fatalities if it is inhaled massively. The engineer will also ensure that the flues are free of obstructions and that there aren't gas leaks within the building.
Landlords who are preparing to sell their property could find that prospective buyers will demand proof of the gas safety tests that have been carried out on the property. This could be a major selling aspect for the property, and can help accelerate the selling process.
If a landlord does not have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, they'll need to get one before they put the property on the market. This will reassure the buyer that the property is secure, and can increase interest. If the seller is unable to provide an official gas safety certificate, the sale could fall through completely.
Gas Safety Certificates: Keep them!
Millions of commercial and residential buildings make use of gas as an energy source. Gas is used in millions of commercial and residential homes. This is why strict regulations are in place to ensure the security of gas systems. Gas Safe registered engineers conduct regular inspections and checks to ensure this. The landlord is responsible for organizing and recording the results of these tests. These results can be shared with tenants to inform them that their landlord is taking their safety seriously.
Landlords are also reminded that a Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. As such, they should be sure to schedule an appointment to take a new test and certificate prior to this date. This will allow them to avoid any fees or penalties for missing appointments. It is also a good idea to arrange the inspection with the same engineer every time, as this will help save time and money.
It is crucial that the landlord is prepared prior the inspection. Read Alot more is important that the landlord prepares for the inspection by clearing the rooms to allow the engineer access to the entire property. It is also recommended to take out any clothing or objects that are near the gas appliances. This can reduce the chance of a fire, and will also help prevent accidental ignition of these items.
The gas engineer will carry out an inspection of all gas appliances and installations in the property. This will include ensuring that the appliance is operating properly, and that the pipework is safe, and that it can flow freely throughout the property, without any obstructions. They will also ensure that any carbon monoxide, a biproduct of gas burning is released out into the atmosphere instead of being trapped in the property.
When the inspection is completed the engineer will issue an official Gas Safety Certificate (or Record) to the landlord. The report will detail the results of the gas appliance inspection, and whether any appliances are considered not in compliance with current Standards or Immediately Dangerous or at risk. Landlords must keep the record for their own records and provide it to tenants within 28 days. They should also give copies to tenants who are new at the start of their lease.