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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. This is a vital requirement for landlords. It can help prevent dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is adequate ventilation, and more.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certification is evidence that the gas appliances and pipes of a property have all been examined by a qualified professional. They are essential for those who rent out their apartment, home, cottage, lake house or studio and utilizes gas appliances. The certificate also shows that the appliances and installation are in compliance with current safety and health regulations. Without a gas safety certification owners could be charged a fine and even imprisonment in the event of any issues with the appliance or pipework.
The document typically contains details about the engineer who performed the inspection, including their name and registration number. It also includes the date of the check and any findings noted. Signing the document ensures its authenticity and accountability for the inspection.
In addition to the details about the gas engineer and property, the certificate includes information on all the appliances in the house that were examined. The gas appliances are likely to be classified as Non-Compliant (NCS) or immediately dangerous (ID), or At Risk (AR). All appliances that are deemed to pose a danger to the health and safety should be removed from the building 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 conducted to detect potential dangers, and they can help prevent accidents that are caused by improperly installed or faulty gas appliances. Landlords are also accountable for making sure that tenants have access to the gas safety certificate for their property.
A landlord trying to sell a property with a gas safety certificate that's expired could be in violation and face massive fines, or even jail time. This is why it is important to make sure that a gas safety certificate is in good condition in all times regardless whether the landlord intends to sell the property or not.
A valid gas safety certificate will increase the chances of a quick property sale for a landlord preparing to market their property. It will put prospective buyers at ease regarding the condition of appliances and the installation. It can be used to sell the property when promoting it for sale.
Who requires a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are required by law to provide a gas safety certificate to any tenant who moves into their homes. This document serves as evidence that the landlord has arranged for all appliances and flues to be maintained and inspected by a certified engineer. It's also crucial to ensure that all gas appliances within the property are safe to use.
If the landlord fails to comply with their obligations and conducts an inspection, they could be at risk of being slapped with a significant fine. Landlords could also be held liable for any injuries or deaths that may occur due to not having a valid certificate.
Homeowners don't need a CP12 gas safety certificate, however it is still recommended that they get their appliances and pipes checked regularly by a qualified engineer to ensure that everything is in working order and safe. This is especially important if they are planning to sell their house, as buyers often request to check the gas safety certificate before they complete the purchase.
Generally speaking, the header of the CP12 will include information about the engineer that carried out 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 report's body will provide the findings of the inspection, including whether the pipework or appliances were found to be unsafe or required repairs. If gas safety certificate what is checked were discovered the engineer will usually seek permission to cut off gas lines and recommend any repairs that are required.
Landlords must also provide tenants with an CP12 copy within the shortest time possible following the completion of the inspection. Tenants with existing leases must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection. It's recommended to give a copy to new tenants prior to when they move in, so they are aware of issues that could compromise their safety. Landlords are encouraged to keep a copy of their older CP12 certificates of gas safety as they can use them to prove that they have fulfilled the requirements in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform enables you to quickly and easily schedule a gas inspection, whether you are a landlord or homeowner.
Getting an Gas Safety Certificate
If you are a landlord and don't have a gas safety certificate, you must get one right away. It is an obligation under the law and assures your tenants are safe in your house. The process is easy and if you select a company that specialises in this kind of inspection, they will assist you all the way. If they fail to comply with the law landlords can face severe penalties, including prison time. It is better to be secure instead of regretting it.
It is the responsibility of landlords to arrange for an annual gas safety inspection to be carried out on the appliances in their homes. The landlord must also give their tenants a copy before 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 showing that they have met their legal obligations.
During the safety inspection an engineer will check the gas appliances and pipes in the home. This is to ensure they are safe. They will look for things like carbon monoxide, which is produced when appliances aren't burning properly and can be fatal when inhaled in large quantities. The engineer will also make sure that the flues are clean and that there aren't gas leaks in the premises.
Landlords who are preparing to sell their property could be surprised to learn that potential buyers demand proof of the gas safety tests that have been carried out on the property. This could be a major selling feature for the property and can help speed up the sale process.
If a landlord does not have an current gas safety certificate, they will require one prior to when they put the property up for sale. This will reassure the buyer that the property is safe and may increase interest. The sale may be cancelled in the event that the seller is unable to produce an authentic certificate of gas safety.
Keeping a Gas Safety Certificate
Gas is used as an energy source in millions of homes and businesses. Therefore, there are strict regulations in place to ensure that the gas systems that are used in these buildings are safe and will not cause harm. This is done through regular checks and inspections by Gas Safe registered engineers. The property's landlord is responsible for scheduling these tests and for keeping documents of them. The results can be communicated to tenants to inform them that their landlord is taking their security very seriously.
Landlords are also reminded that a Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. They should book an appointment to have a new test conducted and a new certificate issued prior to the date. This will ensure that they do not incur any penalties or charges for late 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 begins it is essential for the landlord to ensure that they are prepared. This includes clearing rooms to ensure that the inspector is able to access all areas of the property without problems. It is also a good idea to remove any clothing or flammable objects that may be close to the gas appliances. This will help to prevent any accidental ignitions of these items and reduce the chance of a fire.
The gas engineer will conduct a full inspection of all the 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 check that any carbon monoxide, an unavoidable byproduct of gas burning is emitted to the outside instead of being confined to the property.
When the inspection is completed, the engineer will issue a Gas Safety Certificate (or Record) to the landlord. The report will detail the results of the gas appliance inspection, and the appliances that are deemed not in compliance with current Standards or Immediately Dangerous or at risk. Landlords must keep the record for their own records, and also provide it to any existing tenants within 28 days. They should also provide a copy to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.