Gas safety certificates are a crucial aspect of maintaining safe homes. The cost of this inspection could surprise some landlords.
It's important for landlords to know the factors that affect the price of this service. Find out more here. Landlords could also think about an agreement for service which includes an annual gas safety check and boiler servicing.
Location
Gas is used to power homes of millions in the UK. This means that there is a large amount of infrastructure that must be maintained and kept safe. This is the responsibility of landlords, who are governed by a myriad of regulations. This includes the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998 oblige landlords to conduct regular inspections of every appliance that uses gas in their properties. This is referred to as a CP12 gas safety certificate duplicate safety check or gas certificate for landlords.
A CP12 gas check is required by a qualified professional and covers a range of aspects related to the property and its gas appliances. The engineer will make sure that the pipework and flues are in good operating condition as well as ensuring that the appliances have been set up correctly. The engineer will also test that the gas appliances are working properly, and that the ventilation passages are free of obstructions.
The CP12 gas safety check is valid for 12 month and landlords are required to give a copy of the report to the new tenants prior to moving into. Landlords are required to keep a record of each check for two years. Additionally, landlords must give current tenants a copy the CP12 before it expires.
It is therefore important that landlords select a dependable and quick gas engineer. You can i get a copy of my gas safe certificate make sure you're paying a fair rate for the work by getting several estimates before deciding who to perform the inspection. It's also a good idea to schedule the inspection in the summer since heating engineers are generally more busy during winter.
Gas safety checks can last between 30 and 60 minutes, based on the size and quantity of gas appliances in the home. The longer it takes to complete the check the more expensive it will be.
It is essential to know that only Gas Safe registered engineers can provide the CP12. This is to safeguard the interests of the landlord as well as the tenant. Landlords must always request an Gas Safe Register Certificate to ensure they get the best possible service.
Number of Appliances
Landlords need to ensure that all gas pipework, appliances and chimneys are in good working order. They must also ensure that harmful gases, like carbon dioxide, are properly removed from the premises and that ventilation passages are clear of obstructions. The landlord should always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for maintenance and repairs should be carried out by a licensed engineer.
The cost of gas safety certificates for landlords will be contingent on a variety of variables, including the location and the number appliances. Generally speaking, the cost of gas inspections is higher in metropolitan areas and prices are lower in rural areas. Some companies offer bundle deals that include gas safety inspections as well as boiler servicing. This is an excellent way to cut costs, especially for landlords who have several properties or require regular maintenance for their boilers.
Landlord Gas Safety Records, also called CP12s, are required by law for landlords in the UK and prove that the gas appliances located in their home are safe to use. Without one, landlords could face hefty fines and potential legal actions from tenants.
The annual inspection should be included as a recurring cost in the budget for maintenance of the landlord. Landlords should seek quotes from Gas Safe engineers and compare prices before signing up to any service. Landlords who are rushing to get their gas safety inspections done before the expiry date should be prepared to pay a premium since this is an urgent service.
Compare prices and add any extra costs, for example if the engineer must test each appliance, or if he is only required to examine the appliance. It is also important to note that the inspection has to be conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer, therefore it is important to verify their credentials prior to booking an appointment. Landlords should not schedule an emergency inspection as it will likely cost more than the standard inspection.
Type of Property
Landlord Gas Safety certificates are not only legally required in the UK however, they also guarantee that tenants are secure and safe in their rental properties. With the right knowledge of what these checks include and the cost associated with them, landlords can be sure that they are up-to the latest on all legal obligations and that their property is in good condition for tenants.
The kind of property that is being inspected has a major influence on the cost. A home with just one appliance may require an inspection that is quick, but if the house has multiple appliances, such as a boiler, gas fireplace, and gas hob, then a thorough inspection is required. This will increase the cost of the gas safety certificate.
It is worth noting that landlords are accountable for all the gas installations in their property, including flues, even those that are connected to appliances owned by tenants. This means that it is essential for landlords to check that all appliances are in good working in good working order prior to letting them go.
If a landlord discovers that any of the appliances are not in good working order, they must be replaced immediately. Landlords can get help with this from Gas Safe registered engineers, or from other gas experts. It is also an excellent idea for landlords to conduct gas safety checks completed every 12 months, and to give their tenants an adequate timeframe for when the inspections will be done.
Landlords must be aware that if they fail to renew their Gas Safety Certificate, they may be served with an Section 21 notice by the Housing Association. It's also a good idea to have a service agreement with a Gas Safe Engineer so that their annual inspections are done as part of it. This will save them both time and money.
Many people still refer to the Gas Safety Record as a "gas safety check" even though the CORGI certificate is now replaced by a document called the Gas Safety Record (also known CP12). To avoid confusion it is recommended that the Gas Safety Record should always be referred to as an "Gas Safety Certificate".
Legal Obligations
You must have your property examined annually and get a certificate of gas safety if you own a property that you lease out. This is a requirement laid out in the Gas Safety Regulations and failure to comply can result in severe fines.
When searching for a company that can provide and conduct your gas safety inspection, it's recommended to shop around. Prices vary widely between companies and you should aim to create a shortlist of three. You should also consider companies that offer combined services such as boiler servicing. These services might be a bit more expensive, but they can save you money.
Before issuing the Gas Safe certificate to a landlord, the company needs to confirm that the engineer has been registered with gas safe certificate check Safe. Check their identity card, which includes a photo and their name along with the date of registration. The landlord should also request to see the engineer's credentials before allowing them to enter the property. If a landlord is concerned that an engineer's credentials are not valid, he can contact Gas Safe Register and report them.
Landlords are responsible for all gas appliances within their properties and any that they install. They should include in their inspections any flues and chimneys connected to gas appliances. It is recommended that landlords include these in the inspection even in the event that the appliance was not provided by them. The landlord is not required to examine gas appliances that tenants bring into their rental property. However they must ensure that the installation pipework that connects these appliances is covered in an Gas Safety check.
If a tenant does not want access to an Gas Safety Check, it is recommended that the landlord try to gain access. Sending a letter outlining why access is needed and what safety checks require is one way to do this. If access is not granted, the landlord can think about taking legal action.