Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate (also known as a CP12 Landlord Certificate) is a legal document which confirms that the appliances, installations and pipework inside a house meet specific safety standards. This is a vital requirement for landlords. It can help to prevent dangerous gas leaks, as well as ensure that there is adequate ventilation and much more.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate is proof that all the gas pipes and appliances in the property have been inspected by a qualified 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 conform to all current health and safety laws. Without a gas safety certificate the occupants could be subject to an imposed fine or even jail time if any problems occur with the pipework or appliance.
The report will typically contain details about the engineer who conducted the inspection including their name and registration numbers. The document also shows the date and any findings. A signature on the document can help verify its authenticity and gives accountability for the process of inspection.
In addition to information about the gas engineer and property, the certificate includes information on all the appliances in the house that were inspected. Gas appliances are usually classified as Non-Compliant, Immediately Dangerous or At Risk. All appliances that are deemed to pose a threat to occupants' health and safety must be removed from the property before an updated certificate is issued.
The law requires that landlords have their gas installations and appliances inspected regularly. Inspections are designed to spot dangers that could arise and assist in preventing injuries or accidents caused by malfunctioning or poorly installed gas appliances. Landlords are also responsible to ensure that tenants have access to the gas safety certificate for their property.
If a landlord attempts to sell their property using an expired gas safety certificate, they may be breaking the law and could face massive fines and even prison time. This is why it is essential to ensure that a gas safety certificate is current in all times, regardless whether the landlord plans to sell the property or not.
If a landlord is planning to sell their property, having an official gas safety certificate can increase the likelihood of a quick sale by putting potential buyers' minds at rest about the state of the appliances and their installation. It can be used to promote the property when it is advertised for sale.
Who requires an Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally required to provide an official gas safety certificate to any tenant who moves into their homes. This document proves that the landlord has made arrangements for all chimneys and appliances to be maintained by a qualified engineer. It's also a vital part of ensuring the safety of gas appliances in the property.
If a landlord fails to meet their obligations and schedules an inspection, they are at risk of being slapped with an enormous fine. Landlords are also liable for any deaths or injuries that result from the absence of an official certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required for homeowners, but it is recommended that they have their appliances and piping inspected regularly by a certified technician to ensure everything is in good working in good working order. This is especially important for homeowners who intend to sell their house, as buyers often ask for the gas safety certificate before they make an offer.
In general, the header will include information on the engineer that performed the inspection. The name of the engineer should be included along with their, registration number, and the date of the inspection. The body of the report will provide the findings of the inspection including the possibility that any pipes or appliances were found to be unsafe or needing repairs. In the event that any problems are identified the engineer will ask permission to shut off the gas supply and recommend any repair needed.
Tenants must also be provided with a copy of the CP12 as soon as possible after the inspection is completed. For tenants who are already tenants the deadline is 28 days of the inspection. It's a good idea to give new tenants a copy before they move in so that they are aware of any issues that may affect their safety. Landlords should keep a copy 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 enables you to quickly and easily schedule a gas inspection, whether you are a homeowner or landlord.
Gas Safety Certificate
You must obtain an gas safety certificate if you are a landowner. This is a requirement by law and will ensure your tenants' safety within your property. If you select a company who specializes in this type inspection, they will help you through the process. If they fail to comply with the law landlords can face heavy fines or even prison time. It is safer to be safe rather than regretting.
It is the landlord's responsibility to schedule an annual gas safety inspection of their appliances. They should also provide their tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate before they move into their new home. This will give them peace of mind that the appliances in their new home are safe, and it is a way of showing they have met their legal obligations.
In a safety inspection, the engineer will inspect all gas appliances and pipework within the building to ensure they are safe. The engineer will also check for carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if inhaled in large amounts. It is produced by appliances that don't burn properly. The engineer will also ensure that the flues are clear and there aren't any gas leaks in the premises.
Landlords preparing to sell a property might discover that potential buyers will request evidence that the property has been gas-safety checked. This could be a major selling point for the property and it can help to speed up the sale process.
If a landlord doesn't have a valid certificate of gas safety, they must get one prior to placing the property up for sale. This will put the potential buyer's mind at ease that the home is safe and can boost the interest in the property. The sale could be cancelled if the seller is unable to produce an authentic certificate of gas safety.
Keeping a Gas Safety Certificate
Millions of commercial and residential buildings make use of gas as a source of energy. This is why there are strict regulations in place to ensure that gas systems that are used in these structures are safe and do not cause harm. This is done through regular checks and inspections by Gas Safe registered engineers. The landlord of the property is responsible for scheduling these tests and keeping records of them. The results are available to tenants to inform them that their landlord is taking their security seriously.
Landlords are also reminded that the Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. They should schedule an appointment to have a new test conducted and a new certification issued before this date. This will help avoid charges 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 starts, it is important for the landlord to ensure that they are prepared. It is essential that the landlord prepares for the inspection by clearing all rooms to allow the inspector access to the entire property. It is also important to clear out any items that are flammable or clothing that may be near gas appliances. This will help prevent any accidental ignitions of these items and decrease the chance of fire.
The gas engineer will carry out a full inspection of all gas appliances and installations inside the property. This includes checking that the appliance functions properly, and that the pipework is safe and it can flow freely throughout the property without obstructions. They will also ensure that any carbon dioxide, a bi-product of gas combustion, doesn't get trapped in the house.
After the inspection is completed the engineer will issue an official Gas Safety Certificate (or Record) to the landlord. The report will contain 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 provide copies to tenants who are new at the beginning of their tenure.