Gas safety certificates are not required by law for homeowners. However, it can to put buyers' minds at ease and may even lead to a quicker sale.
It also helps to spot any gas or heating problems early, thereby saving homeowners money and preventing the possibility of fatal carbon monoxide leaks. Learn more about why homeowners require a certificate of gas safety and how it works.
Legal Requirements
Gas safety certificates are legally required for landlords to have their properties inspected every year. This document is proof that all appliances, flues and fittings in a house were inspected by a certified engineer and that they are safe to use.
The engineer will ensure that all gas appliances work properly, that the connections are secure and that there is adequate ventilation. They will also check for blockages in flues and ensure that the gas pipes are properly sized and free of corrosion. They will also ensure that there is no carbon monoxide emissions and that the flues aren't blocked. The gas safety certificate will be produced with an inventory of the appliances and the date of their inspection.
A homeowner might also want to get a gas safety certificate issued, as it will put their mind at rest about the condition of the gas appliances and installations within their home. It also helps catch any problems early on, which can save money and prevent accidents.
If you are thinking of selling your home, potential buyers might ask for gas safety records. This is a good idea. This will let the buyer know that the gas appliances and installations are in good working order and can help save you money and time.
If a landlord gas safety certificate fails to get their gas safety certificates in place, they are liable for a fine and could face legal action from tenants or the council. It means that the property has been declared unfit for human occupancy and could cause injuries or even death.
You should also keep a copy for your records so that you can present the certificate to potential buyers or tenants. This will help increase the value of your property and show them that you take the security of your tenants very seriously.
Benefits
It is crucial to have a gas safety certificate for both homeowners and landlords. It ensures that all installations and appliances meet the necessary safety requirements and help to keep residents safe from hazards like carbon monoxide poisoning. It also shields landlords from potential legal penalties in the event of non-compliance with the rules.
Landlords who do homeowners need a gas safety certificate not adhere to the gas safety regulations expose their tenants to danger and could be fined or even prison time. Possessing a valid gas safety certificate can help to avoid this and make renting out a property much easier, as prospective tenants will be more likely to lease from landlords who have a good track record.
Those looking to buy properties should also check that the current owner has a valid gas safety certification in place prior to making an offer. This will assure them that the gas appliances are safe to use, and they will not have to cover costly repairs after moving into.
It is worth noting that certain homeowners insurance policies require a gas safety certificate as a condition for coverage. This is especially true for landlords who may be required to show proof of their compliance with the gas safety regulations by their insurance company to be able to get or renew their policy.
Before having any work done on their gas appliances or installations, homeowners should ensure that the engineer they hire is Gas Safe registered. Only engineers listed on the Gas Safe Register have been through rigorous tests and are certified to conduct safety inspections of gas systems. The homeowner must also request that their engineer send an official report after the inspection. The report will comprise the list of all the gas appliances and installations that have been inspected, their current status (pass or fail) and any recommended action items. It is also recommended to keep the certificate for your documents. Many customers have praised professional service and quick turnaround times of their preferred gas safety specialists, providing them with peace of mind and assurance that their homes are safe to live in.
Costs
Gas safety certificates aren't only an obligation for landlords, but also an investment in the safety of your tenants. CP12 certificates are a checkup of your gas appliances to ensure they're safe. They're also a good idea for homeowners, as malfunctioning equipment can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or even explosions.
The cost of the CP12 certification The cost of a CP12 certification varies from property to property, but typically, it's about PS80. The engineer's fee is included along with a copy of your certificate to keep for your records. It also includes the work needed to bring your appliances up to standard. If you're a landlord it's a good idea to get quotes from several engineers to determine the most affordable price and be wary of costs that appear too good to be real.
Landlords must inspect every gas appliance in their homes and flues annually. This will ensure that your home is safe for people to live in, and it will also assist you in avoiding costly fines or even imprisonment if you fail to comply with the legal requirements.
The cost of a gas safety inspection depends on several factors including the number of appliances present in the property and its type. Gas appliances are generally less in residential properties which lowers the cost. Commercial properties, on the other hand, may require a more in-depth check, leading to more expensive cost. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine your inspections.
Location is another major element in determining the cost of the certificate. Prices can vary across the UK and are usually higher in areas with greater need for engineers. Emergency checks are more expensive than regular inspections, especially when your gas certificate is set to expire.
Expiration Date
Getting your property checked annually will not just ensure that you're in compliance with the law but that you and your tenants remain secure. This is particularly important for landlords who rent out their properties. Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances operate safely and are accompanied by a valid gas safety certification.
Gas safety inspections are carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers who examine the boiler, flues, and any other gas appliances in the house. Gas safety certificates will indicate any appliances that are defective. They are classified as ID (immediate danger), AR (at risk) or NT (not to current standards). Appliances classified as ID should be replaced as soon as they are discovered while those classified AR require urgent repairs.
After the engineer is finished, you will receive a copy the Gas Safety Record. The record must be provided to all tenants within 28 days of the service, as well as to new tenants prior to moving into. Failure to adhere to this rule could lead to fines or in more serious situations the possibility of prosecution.
Gas safety checks are not mandatory for homeowners, but it is strongly advised to conduct them. This will safeguard homeowners from any potential issues that might arise and give them peace-of-mind that their gas appliances are safe to use. It is also important to know that some home insurance policies require an official Gas Safety Certificate.
In some instances a landlord gas safety certificate price may face difficulty gaining access to their property to carry out the gas safety inspection. The tenancy agreement must clearly state that landlords are entitled to access the property to carry out maintenance and safety inspections. The landlord must use every reasonable measure to gain access to their property, including repeating their request and writing to tenants to inform them that gas safety checks are required by law. If all else fails the tenant may decide to end their lease and seek legal advice.
Do Homeowners Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
