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 building meet specific safety standards. This is a crucial requirement for landlords. It helps to avoid dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is enough ventilation, and much more.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate is evidence that the gas appliances and pipes in a property have all been inspected by a certified professional. They are vital for anyone renting out their apartment, home cottage, lake house or studio and uses gas appliances. The certificate also demonstrates that the installation and appliances are in compliance with current health and safety laws. Without a gas safety certificate, occupants could face a fine and even imprisonment in the event of any issues with the appliance or pipework.
The document will usually include information about the engineer that carried out the inspection, including their name and registration numbers. The document also shows the date of the inspection and any findings. Signing the document assures its authenticity and accountability for the inspection.
The certificate will also contain information about all the appliances that were examined in the property. Gas appliances are typically classified as non-compliant, immediately Dangerous or At Risk. Before a new certificate is issued, any appliances that pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants have to be removed.
The law requires that landlords have their gas installations and appliances inspected regularly. Inspections are conducted in order to find dangers that could be present, and can help prevent accidents that are caused by improperly installed or faulty gas appliances. The landlords are responsible for ensuring that their tenants can access a copy of their gas safety certificate.
If a landlord attempts to sell their home with an expired gas safety certificate, they may be breaking the law and could be subject to massive fines and even prison time. This is why it is crucial to ensure that a gas safety certificate is current at all times regardless whether the landlord plans to sell the property or not.
A valid gas safety certificate will improve the chances of a quick sale for a landlord preparing to market their property. It will put prospective buyers at ease about the condition of appliances and installation. It can also be used to market the property when advertising it for sale.
Who needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate is legally required for any tenant who moves into the property of a landlord. This document is evidence that the landlord has arranged for all appliances and flues to have their service and inspected by a certified engineer. It's crucial to ensure that all gas appliances within the property are safe to use.
If a landlord fails to meet their obligations and conducts an inspection, they could be at risk of being issued with a significant fine. Landlords are also liable for any injuries and deaths that result from the absence of an official certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required by homeowners, but it's still recommended that they have their appliances and piping checked regularly by a certified technician to ensure everything is safe and in working in good working order. This is important for homeowners who plan to sell their house as buyers frequently request a gas safety certificate before they make an offer.
The header of the CP12 will contain details about the engineer who carried out the inspection. This should include their name along with their registration number as well as the date of the inspection. The body of the document will detail the findings of the inspection including whether any pipework or appliances were found to be unsafe or needing repair. If any problems are found an engineer will request permission to turn off any gas supply and suggest any repair needed.
Landlords are also required to provide tenants with a CP12 copy as soon as they can following the conclusion of the inspection. For tenants with existing leases the deadline is 28 days after the inspection, and it's recommended to give new tenants a copy before they move in to ensure that they are aware of any potential issues that could affect their safety. Landlords should also keep a copy of their old CP12 gas safety certificates since this can assist them in proving they've complied with their obligations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly interface allows users to quickly and efficiently schedule a gas inspection, whether you are a homeowner or landlord.
Obtaining an Gas Safety Certificate
You should obtain an gas safety certificate when you are a landowner. It is required by law and will ensure your tenants' safety in your property. If you select a company who specializes in this type inspection, they will be able to guide you through the process. If they do not conform to the law, landlords can face massive fines and even prison time. It is better to be secure rather than regretting.
It is the landlord's responsibility to organize an annual gas safety inspection to be carried out on their appliances within their homes. They also have to provide their tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate prior to the time they move into the property. This will give them peace-of-mind that the appliances are safe in their new home. It's also an evidence that they have met their obligations.
During the safety check, an engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes inside the building. This is to ensure that they are safe. They will be looking for signs like carbon monoxide that is created when appliances aren't functioning properly and could cause death when inhaled at a high rate. The engineer will also ensure that the flues are clear and that there aren't gas leaks within the building.
Property owners who are preparing to sell their property might discover that potential buyers want evidence that the property has been gas safety tested. This could be a major selling aspect for the property, and can help accelerate the process of selling.
If a landlord does not have a valid certificate of gas safety, they must obtain one prior to placing the property up for sale. This will reassure the buyer that the property is safe and could increase the interest. If the seller fails to produce a valid gas safety certificate, the sale could be canceled completely.
Gas Safety Certificates: Keep them!
Gas is used as an energy source in a vast majority of homes and businesses. As such, there are strict rules in place to ensure that the gas systems in these structures are safe and do not cause any harm. Gas Safe registered engineers conduct regular inspections and tests to ensure this. The landlord is responsible for arranging and recording these tests. This information can then be shared with the tenants of the building to give them peace of mind knowing their landlord is concerned about their safety.
Landlords are also reminded that the Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. They should book an appointment to have a new test conducted and a new certification issued prior to the date. This will help to avoid any fines or penalties for missing appointments. It is also recommended to schedule the inspection with the same engineer each time, since this will save time and money.
It is crucial that the landlord is prepared prior the inspection. This means clearing out rooms to ensure that the inspector is able to access all areas of the house without issues. gas safety certificate homeowner is also helpful to get rid of any items that ignite or clothing that may be near the gas appliances. This will help to stop any accidental ignitions from these items and reduce the chance of a fire.
The gas engineer will conduct an extensive inspection of all the gas appliances and installations within the property. This includes checking that the appliance functions properly, and that the pipework is safe and that it can flow freely throughout the property without obstructions. They will also ensure that any carbon monoxide, which is an unavoidable byproduct of gas burning is released to the outside atmosphere instead of being trapped in the property.
The engineer will then issue the Gas Safety Certificate to the landlord. The report will contain the results of the gas appliance inspection and whether any appliances are considered Not to Current Standards or Immediately Dangerous or at Risk. The landlord should keep an audit log and give it to existing tenants within 28-days. They should also provide a copy to new tenants at the start of their tenancy.