Gas safety certificates are an important part of maintaining safe properties. However, the cost of this inspection can be a shock to some landlords.
It is crucial for landlords to know the factors that impact the price of this service. Continue reading to learn more. Landlords may also think about an agreement for service that includes an annual gas safety check and boiler maintenance.
Location
Millions of households across the UK depend on gas to power their homes. This means there is a large amount of infrastructure that must be maintained and protected. This is the responsibility of landlords, who are governed by a variety of rules. This includes the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. These regulations require landlords to conduct regular checks of all gas appliances within their property. This is also referred to as a CP12 Gas Safety Check or a landlords gas certificate.
A CP12 gas safety inspection should be carried out by a licensed professional and covers a variety of aspects of the home and its gas appliances. The engineer will check that the pipes and flues are in good working order, as well as that the appliances have been installed correctly. The engineer will also ensure that the gas appliances are operating properly and that the ventilation channels are free of obstructions.
The CP12 gas safety test is valid for 12 months and landlords are required to give a copy of the report to the new tenants prior to moving in. Landlords must keep records of each check for a period of two years. In addition landlords must provide current tenants copies of the CP12 before it expires.
This is why it is crucial for landlords to choose an experienced gas engineer that can provide a quick and reliable service. You can be sure you're paying a fair rate for the work by getting multiple quotes before deciding on a person to perform the inspection. It's also recommended to schedule the inspection in the summer months, since heating engineers are often more busy during winter.
The gas safety inspection will usually take between 30 to 60 minutes, but this can vary based on the size of the house and the gas safety certificate homeowner appliances. The longer the check takes the longer, the more costly it will be.
It is important to note that the CP12 can only be issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer. This is to safeguard both the tenant and landlord's interests. Landlords must always request a Gas Safe Register certificate to make sure that they are getting the best possible service.
Number of Appliances
Landlords need to ensure that all gas pipes, appliances and chimneys are kept in good condition. They must also check that harmful gases such as carbon monoxide are removed from the property safely and that the ventilation passages are clear of blockages. The landlord must always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance, and any repairs must be done by a qualified engineer.
The cost of a landlords gas safety certificate will be contingent on several factors, such as location and the quantity of appliances. In general, the cost of gas inspections will be higher in cities however, prices are generally lower in rural areas. Some companies offer packages that include gas safety checks and boiler servicing. This is an excellent way to reduce costs, especially for landlords with several properties or require boiler maintenance services regularly.
Landlord Gas Safety Records (also known as CP12s) are legally required in the UK for landlords. They ensure that gas appliances in their properties are safe to use. Without one, a landlord could be liable to heavy penalties and possibly legal actions from tenants.
The annual inspection should be included as a recurring cost in the budget for maintenance of the landlord. Gas Safe engineers should be contacted and prices compared before any service is agreed to. Landlords who rush their gas safety checks done before the expiry date should be prepared to spend more since this is an urgent service.
When comparing prices, be sure to take into account any additional charges, such as whether the engineer is required to test each appliance or simply check the gas appliance. You should also check whether the engineer is an Gas Safe registered one before scheduling an inspection. Landlords should avoid scheduling an inspection in the last minute as it is more expensive than a regular inspection.
Type of Property
Landlord Gas Safety certificates are not only legally required in the UK however, they also ensure that tenants are safe and secure in their rental homes. With the right knowledge of what these tests are and the associated costs with these checks, landlords can make sure that they are up to current on all legal requirements and that their property is in good order for tenants.
The kind of property being inspected will have a big influence on the price of the landlords gas safety check will cost. For instance, a house with a single appliance might only require a quick check however, if it is equipped with several appliances like a gas boiler, gas fire, and gas hob the inspection will be more in-depth. This will increase the cost of the gas safety certificate.
It is important to remember that all gas installations that are on the property of the landlord is their responsibility, including flues connected to appliances tenants own. It is therefore essential that landlords ensure that all appliances are working properly prior to letting them go.
If a landlord discovers that any of the appliances are not in good working order and is not up to standard, they should have them replaced immediately. Gas Safe engineers or other gas experts can assist landlords in this. It is also recommended for landlords to have their gas safety inspections performed every 12 months and to give tenants reasonable notice of when the checks will be conducted.
The Housing Association may issue a Section 21 Notice to Landlords who do homeowners need a gas safety certificate not renew their Gas Safety Certificate. It's an excellent idea to sign a service agreement with an gas certificates Safe Engineer so that their annual inspections can be completed as part of the agreement. This will save them time and money.
While the CORGI gas safety certificate was replaced with the Gas Safety Record document (also called a CP12) However, many people still refer to it as a 'gas safety check' to refer to it. So, to avoid any confusion, it is recommended to refer to the Gas Safety Record as a Gas Safety Certificate.
Legal Obligations
If you own a property that is let out and you want to be inspected and provided with the gas safety certificate on an annual basis. Gas Safety Regulations state that it is a requirement and the failure to comply could result in heavy fines.
When searching for a company that can supply and perform your gas safety inspection, it's recommended to shop around. Prices vary widely between providers and you should create a shortlist of three. You should also consider companies that provide a range of services like boiler servicing. These may come at a slight premium but can help to cut costs.
Before issuing the Gas Safe certificate to a landlord, the company must confirm that the engineer is registered with Gas Safe. This can be accomplished by examining their identification card which will include a photo, their name and the dates of registration. Before allowing an engineer to enter the property, the landlord should ask to verify their credentials. If a landlord is concerned that an engineer's credentials are not valid, he should get in touch with Gas Safe Register and report them.
The gas appliances in the property as well as those that the landlord installs are their responsibility. They must include in the inspection any chimneys or flues that are connected to gas appliances. It is recommended that a landlord include these in the inspection even in the event that the appliance was not supplied by them. Landlords do not have to examine gas appliances that tenants install in their rental properties. Gas Safety checks must include the installation pipework for these appliances.
If the tenant is unwilling to grant access to an Gas Safety check, it is suggested that the landlord makes every effort to gain access. This can include sending a clearly written letter outlining the reasons for access and what the safety checks will involve. If the landlord still refuses access, he can take legal action.