Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate, also referred to as a CP12 or Landlord Certificate, is a legal document that confirms the appliances, installations, and pipework in the property meet certain safety standards. This is an important requirement for landlords. It can help prevent dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is enough ventilation, and much more.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate is evidence that the gas appliances and pipes of a property have all been checked by a qualified professional. Gas safety certificates are essential for those renting out their apartment, home, or studio as well as cottages, lake houses, and studios that use gas appliances. The certificate also demonstrates that the appliances and installation conform to all current safety and health regulations. Gas safety certificates are legally required. Without one, the residents of a house could be fined or jailed if there's an issue with the appliance.
The document will usually include information about the engineer that conducted the inspection including their name, as well as registration numbers. It also displays the date of the inspection and any findings that were not noted. The signature on the document confirms its authenticity and accountability for the inspection.
In addition to information about the gas engineer and property, the certificate also contains information about all the appliances in the house which were inspected. Gas appliances are typically classified as Non-Compliant, Instantly Dangerous or At Risk. Before a new certificate can be issued, all appliances that pose a threat to the safety and health of the occupants need to be removed.
Landlords are legally required to have their gas appliances and installations checked regularly. Inspections are conducted in order to find potential hazards, 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 the gas safety certificate for their property.
A landlord who tries to sell a home with a gas safety certificate that's expired may be in violation, and face heavy fines or even jail time. This is why it's crucial to ensure that a gas safety certificate is up-to-date at all times, regardless of whether the landlord plans to sell the property or not.
If a landlord is in the process of preparing to sell their property having an approved gas safety certificate can enhance the likelihood of a quick sale by putting potential buyers' minds at rest about the condition of the appliance and its installation. It can be used to sell the property when it is advertised 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 is proof that the landlord has made arrangements for all appliances and chimneys to be serviced by a licensed engineer. It's also an essential element to ensure the safety of gas appliances in the property.
If a landlord fails to meet their obligations and arranges an inspection, they stand a risk of being slapped with a substantial fine. Landlords are also liable for any injuries or deaths that result from the absence of an official certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required for homeowners, however it is recommended they have their appliances and piping examined regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that everything is in good working in good working order. This is especially important when they are planning to sell their house, as buyers often request to check the gas safety certificate prior to making a purchase.
In general, the header will contain information about the engineer that performed the inspection. The name of the engineer should be included along with their as well as their registration number and the date of the inspection. The body of the document will detail the findings of the inspection, including whether any appliances or pipework were deemed to be unsafe or in need of repair. In can i get a copy of my gas safe certificate that any issues are discovered the engineer will ask permission to shut off the gas supply and suggest any repair needed.
Landlords are also required provide tenants with a CP12 copy within the shortest time possible following the completion of the inspection. For existing tenants, this should be within 28 days after the inspection, and it's an ideal practice to provide new tenants a copy of the CP12 before they move in to ensure that they are aware of any issues that may affect their security. Landlords are advised to keep a copy of their older CP12 certificates of gas safety, so that they can use this to prove they have fulfilled the requirements 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.
Getting a Gas Safety Certificate
You must get an official gas safety certificate if you are a landowner. This is a requirement by law and will ensure your tenants' safety in your property. The process is straightforward and if you select a company that specialises in this type of inspection, they can assist you all the way. If they fail to conform to the law, landlords can face heavy fines or even prison time. It is better to be secure rather than regretting it.
It is the responsibility of landlords to schedule an annual gas safety inspection to be carried out on their appliances within their properties. The landlord must also give their tenants a copy before they move into the property. This is to give them the assurance that the appliances in their new home are safe and it's a way to showing they have met their legal obligations.
During the safety inspection, an engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes inside the home. This is to ensure that they are safe. They will look for things like carbon monoxide that is created when appliances aren't properly burning and could cause death if it is inhaled massively. The engineer will also ensure that the flues and property is free of gas leaks.
Landlords who are planning to sell their property may discover that potential buyers require proof of gas safety tests that have been carried out on the property. This can be an important selling point for a home and may accelerate the sale process.
If a landlord does not have a valid certificate of gas safety, they must get one before putting the property on the market. This will assure the buyer that the property is secure and may increase interest. The sale could be canceled if the seller is unable to provide an official certificate of gas safety.
Gas Safety Certificates: Keep them!
Gas is used as an energy source in a vast majority of homes and businesses. Therefore, there are strict rules in place to ensure that the gas systems used in these buildings are safe and do not cause any harm. This is done through regular checks and inspections by Gas Safe registered engineers. The landlord is responsible for scheduling 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. This means that they must ensure that they book an appointment for a new test and certificate prior to this date. This will help avoid charges for missing appointments. It is also recommended to schedule the inspection with the same engineer every time, as this will save time and money.
It is crucial that the landlord is prepared prior to the inspection. This means clearing out rooms so that the engineer can access all areas of the house without issues. It is also recommended to take out any clothing or flammable objects which are close to the gas appliances. This will reduce the risk of a fire and also prevent accidental ignition of these items.
The gas engineer will perform a full inspection on all gas appliances and installations in the property. This includes checking that the appliance functions properly, and that the pipework is safe and that it is able to flow freely through the property, without any obstructions. They will also make sure that any carbon monoxide, which is an unavoidable byproduct of gas burning is emitted to the outside atmosphere instead of being trapped in the property.
Once the inspection is complete, the engineer will issue an official Gas Safety Certificate (or Record) 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. The landlord should keep the record of the inspection and provide it to current tenants within 28 days. They should also give a copy to new tenants at the beginning of their lease.