Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate, also referred to as a CP12 or Landlord Certificate, is legal document that demonstrates that the appliances, installations, and pipework in the property meet certain safety standards. This is a vital requirement for landlords. It can help prevent dangerous gas leaks, as well as ensure that there is enough ventilation, and more.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and pipes in the property have been inspected by a certified professional. They are essential for anyone renting out their home, apartment, cottage, lake house or studio and uses gas appliances. The certificate also indicates that the appliances and installation comply with all current health and safety laws. Without a gas safety certificate owners could be charged an imposed fine or even jail time if any problems occur with the appliance or pipework.
The document will usually include details about the engineer who carried out the inspection, including their name, as well as registration numbers. It also displays the date of the check and any findings that were noted. A signature on the document helps to ensure its authenticity and provides accountability for the process of inspection.
In addition to information about the gas engineer as well as the property, the certificate provides details about all of the appliances in the house which were inspected. 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 threat to the health and safety should be removed from the premises before the new certificate can be issued.
Landlords are legally required to have their gas appliances and installations inspected on a regular basis. Inspections are designed to identify any dangers that could arise and assist in preventing injuries or accidents caused by defective or poorly installed gas appliances. The landlords are accountable to ensure that their tenants have access to their gas safety certificate.
A landlord who attempts to sell a property using a gas safety certificate that has expired could be in violation, and face severe fines or even jail time. This is why it's essential to ensure that a gas safety certificate is up-to-date every day regardless whether the landlord intends to sell the property or not.
When a landlord is preparing to sell their property having an approved gas safety certificate can increase the chance of a speedy sale by putting potential buyers' minds at rest about the condition of the appliances and their installation. It can also be used to market the property when it is advertised for sale.
Who needs an Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally required to give a gas safety certificate to any tenant that moves into their property. This document proves that the landlord has made arrangements for all appliances and chimneys to be serviced by a qualified engineer. It's also an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of gas appliances within the property.
A landlord who fails to adhere with their obligations by arranging an inspection may be fined quite a bit. Landlords are also liable for any deaths or injuries that occur due to the absence of a valid certificate.
Homeowners don't require to have a CP12 gas safety certificate, however it is still recommended that they get their appliances and pipework examined regularly by a qualified engineer to ensure everything is in working order and safe. This is particularly important if they are planning on selling their home, since buyers often request to look up the gas safety report prior to making a purchase.
Generally, the header of the CP12 will include information about the engineer that performed the inspection. The name of the engineer should be included along with their along with their registration number as well as the date of the inspection. The body of the document will detail the results of the inspection, including whether any pipework or appliances were found to be unsafe or in need of repair. If problems are identified, an engineer will request permission to shut off the gas supply and suggest any repair needed.
what is a landlord gas safety certificate must also be provided with copies of the CP12 whenever possible after the inspection is completed. For tenants who are already tenants it should be done within 28 days after the inspection, and it's an ideal practice to provide new tenants a copy before they move in so they are aware of any issues that may impact their safety. Landlords should 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. If you are a landlord or homeowner and want to schedule an inspection for gas safety it is possible to do so quickly and easily using our user-friendly platform here at Mashroom.
Getting a Gas Safety Certificate
If you are a landlord and you don't have a gas safety certificate, you should obtain one as soon as possible. This is a legal requirement and it ensures that your tenants are secure in your home. If you choose a company who specializes in this type inspection, they will be able to guide you through the process. If they do not adhere to the law, landlords could be punished with massive fines and even prison time. It is better to be secure rather than sorry.
It is the responsibility of the landlord to organize an annual gas safety inspection for their appliances. The landlord should also provide their tenants a copy of the report prior to when they move into their new home. This will provide them with peace of mind that the appliances are safe in their new home and is an evidence that they have met their obligations.
In a safety audit the engineer will check every gas appliance and pipework within the home to make sure they are safe. They will look for things like carbon monoxide that is created when appliances aren't burning properly and could cause death when inhaled massively. The engineer will also check that the flues and property are free of gas leaks.
Landlords who are looking 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 can be a big selling point for the property and can help speed up the sale process.
If a landlord doesn't have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, they'll need one before they put the property on the market. This will reassure the buyer that the property is secure and could increase the interest. If the seller is unable to provide an official gas safety certificate, the sale may be canceled completely.
Maintaining a Gas Safety Certificate
Millions of commercial and residential buildings make use of gas as a source of energy. Therefore, there are strict rules in place to ensure that gas systems that are used in these structures are safe and do not cause harm. This is achieved through regular inspections and checks by Gas Safe registered engineers. The landlord is responsible for organizing and recording the results of these tests. This information can be shared with the tenants of the building to give them peace of mind knowing their landlord takes their safety seriously.
Landlords are also reminded that a Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. This means that they must make sure to book an appointment for a new test and certificate prior to this date. This will prevent any penalties for missing appointments. It is a good idea to have the same engineer inspect the vehicle on a regular basis. This will help you save time and money.
Before the inspection starts it is essential for the landlord to ensure that they are fully prepared. It is essential that the landlord prepares for the inspection by clearing the rooms to allow the inspector access to the entire property. It is also important to clear out any flammable items or clothing near the gas appliances. This can reduce the chance of a fire and prevent accidental ignition of these objects.
The gas engineer will perform an inspection of all the gas appliances and installations within the property. The gas engineer will make sure that the appliance functions properly, that all pipework is safe, and can flow freely through the property. They will also ensure that any carbon dioxide, which is a byproduct of gas combustion, doesn't get trapped in the house.
The engineer will then issue the Gas Safety Certificate to the landlord. The report will include the results of the gas appliance inspection and the appliances that are deemed not to current Standards or Immediately Dangerous or at risk. Landlords must keep a copy of this record for their own records, and also provide it to any tenants within 28 days. They should also provide a copy to any new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.