Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate (also known as a CP12 Landlord Certificate) is legal document that proves that the installation, appliances and pipework within a property meet specific safety standards. It is a crucial requirement for landlords and can help prevent dangerous leaks, make sure there is adequate ventilation, and much more.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate proves that all the gas appliances and pipes within a property have been checked by a trained professional. They are vital for anyone who rents out their home, apartment, cottage, lake house, or studio, and uses gas appliances. The certificate demonstrates that all safety and health regulations are adhered to by the appliances and the installation. Without a gas safety certification, occupants could face penalties of imprisonment or fines if any problems occur in connection with the pipework or appliance.
The report will typically contain details about the engineer who conducted the inspection including their name and registration numbers. It also includes the date of the inspection and any findings 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 provides details about all of the appliances in the property that were inspected. The gas appliances will usually be classified as non-compliant (NCS) or Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Any of the appliances that are deemed to pose a threat to the health of the occupants and safety must be removed from the property before a new certificate can be issued.
Landlords are required by law to have their gas appliances and installations checked on a regular basis. Inspections are conducted in order to find dangers that could be present, and can help avoid accidents caused by poorly installed or defective gas appliances. The landlords are responsible to ensure that their tenants have access to the gas safety certificate.
If a landlord attempts to sell their property using an expired gas safety certificate, they may be breaking the law and could face hefty fines or even prison time. This is why it's important to make sure that the gas safety certificate is in good condition every day, regardless whether the landlord intends to sell the property or not.
A valid gas safety certification will increase the likelihood of a speedy sale for a landlord trying to sell their property. It will put potential buyers at ease about the state of appliances and installation. It can also be used to sell the property when promoting it for sale.
Who is in need of an Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate is legally required for any tenant who moves into a landlord's property. This document serves as proof that the landlord has organised for all appliances and flues to be maintained and inspected by a qualified engineer. It's also a key part of ensuring that any gas appliances in the property are safe to use.
A landlord who fails to comply with their obligations by scheduling an inspection could be fined quite a bit. Landlords could also be held liable for any injuries or deaths that may occur as a result of not possessing a current certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required for homeowners, but it's still recommended they have their appliances and piping inspected regularly by a certified technician to ensure everything is safe and in working order. This is especially important if they plan to sell their house, as buyers often request to look up the gas safety report prior to making a purchase.
The header of the CP12 will contain information about the engineer that carried out the inspection. The header of the CP12 should include the name, registration number, and 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 needing repair. If problems are found the engineer will ask permission to shut off any gas supply and suggest any necessary repair.
Tenants must also be provided with a copy of the CP12 as soon as they can after the inspection is completed. Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection. It's recommended to give a copy of the CP12 to tenants who are about to move in, so they are aware of issues that could affect their safety. Landlords are advised to keep a copy of their older CP12 certificates of gas safety as they can use it to prove that they've been in compliance with the regulations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform enables users to quickly and efficiently arrange a gas inspection if you are a homeowner or landlord.
The process of obtaining an Gas Safety Certificate
If you are a landlord and do not have a gas safety certificate, it is best to obtain one as soon as possible. This is a requirement by law and guarantees your tenants' safety in your property. If you select a company who specializes in this type inspection, they will help you through the procedure. If they fail to conform to the law, landlords could be punished with massive fines and even prison time. It is better to be safe instead of sorry.
It is the responsibility of the landlord to organize an annual gas safety inspection for their appliances. The landlord must also give their tenants a copy of the report prior to when they move into their new home. This gives the tenant peace of mind knowing that the appliances in their new home are safe and it is a way of showing that they have met their legal obligations.
During a safety check, the engineer will inspect all of the gas appliances and pipework throughout the home to make sure they are safe. The engineer will look for carbon monoxide that could be fatal if inhaled massively. It is generated by appliances that aren't burning properly. The engineer will also ensure that the flues are free of obstructions and that there aren't gas leaks in the property.
Landlords who are preparing to sell their property could be surprised to learn that potential buyers ask for 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 accelerate the process of selling.
If a property owner does not have a valid certificate of gas safety, they must get one prior to placing the property up for sale. This will put a potential buyer's mind at ease that the property is safe and could increase the interest in the property. The sale could be cancelled when the seller is not able to produce a valid certificate of gas safety.
Gas Safety Certificates: Keep them!
Gas is used as an energy source in a multitude of homes and businesses. Gas is used in a vast majority of commercial and residential properties. 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 that this. The landlord is responsible for arranging and recording these tests. This information can then be shared with the tenants of the building, giving them peace of mind that their landlord is concerned about their safety.
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 certification before this date. This will avoid any penalties for missing appointments. It is a good idea, to have the same engineer check the vehicle each time. This will save you time and money.
Before the inspection can begin before the inspection begins, it is crucial for the landlord to make sure that they are fully prepared. It is crucial that the landlord prepares for the inspection by clearing all rooms to allow the engineer access to the entire property. It is also helpful to get rid of any items that ignite or clothing near the gas appliances. This will prevent any accidental ignitions of these items and reduce the chance of a fire.
The gas engineer will carry out a full inspection on all gas appliances and installations within the property. The gas engineer will ensure that the appliance functions properly and that the pipes are safe, and that it is able to flow freely throughout the property. They will also check that any carbon monoxide, a biproduct of gas burning is released to the outside atmosphere instead of being trapped within the property.
The engineer will then issue the Gas Safety Certificate to the landlord. The report will detail the results of the gas appliance inspection, and the appliances that are deemed not to current Standards or immediately dangerous or at Risk. The landlord should keep an audit log and provide it to current tenants within 28 days. They should also provide an original copy to any new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.