What is a Gas Safety Certificate and Who Needs One?
A gas safety certificate is a document that includes all the tests and inspections engineers perform on your gas appliances. These inspections can lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning at your home.
The law stipulates that landlords must conduct annual inspections of their properties. Gas Safe registered engineers must also conduct the inspections.
What is the definition of a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate is a legal document that shows that all appliances and installations within your home have been examined by a certified engineer to ensure they are safe to use. Gas appliances and flues must be inspected by a qualified engineer every year. This is a legal requirement to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other serious accidents. Landlords who don't comply with these regulations are subject to fines or even criminal prosecution.
A gas engineer will carry out a thorough inspection of the property before issuing the document which will include details of all the appliances and installations they tested. The report will show whether the appliances and installations passed or failed, and any recommendations for further action. The certificate will also include the landlord's name, address, and the date that the test was conducted.
Gas safety certificates are available in two types of certificates: domestic and non-domestic. The first is for homes, flats and studios while the latter is for commercial properties such as warehouses or office buildings. Both certificates have to be renewed each year and the engineer must issue a copy for each appliance that they have inspected.
Who is eligible for gas safety checks? The answer is anyone who owns or rents out a property that has any type of gas appliance or installation. This includes homeowners who are private, housing associations local authorities, hotels and hospitality places, and even schools. Landlords are especially required to have their properties examined and issue their tenants with the most current Gas Safety Record, as they are legally accountable for ensuring that their tenants stay safe in the properties they lease or own.
If you have a home that is managed by an agent who manages the property it is crucial to ensure that they are the ones to organize the annual gas safety inspection and service. The fact that you have a managing agent does not relieve you of the legal obligation to get the property tested and to provide your tenants with the most up-to-date Gas Safety Record.
It's not mandatory for homeowners to keep gas safety records. However, click through the following page when selling a property. Potential buyers will want to see proof that the appliances were maintained and are safe. Furthermore the TA6 form that's part of the conveyancing process will ask for a record of gas safety, so it's best to have one in place prior to selling.
Who is in need of a Gas Safety Certificate?
Basically anyone who owns a home or commercial property that is equipped with gas appliances and pipework is required to have them checked by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes landlords, building owner and some tenants living in a building that is managed by a managing agency.
Landlords are bound by a variety of legal obligations, and one of these is to ensure that all flues, appliances and fittings are inspected and considered safe by an Gas Safe engineer every 12 months. This is referred to as a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 and is a crucial element of any rental property. It is illegal for a landlord to rent out any property without this certificate.
While homeowners aren't required to adhere to the same legal obligations that landlords are required to follow, it's a good idea for them to get an annual Gas Safety Check once a year. This will ensure that their boiler and all gas appliances in good condition and will also reveal any issues that need repair, which could save them money in the end.
The gas safety certificate will usually have a header that displays the name and registration number of the engineer who performed the inspection, along with the property address, postcode, and other pertinent identifications. The certificate will also list the appliances that were tested and will indicate whether they passed or failed. If any appliances were found to be dangerous, they will be marked as Not Compliant (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR).
This document is then issued to the homeowner after the service and should be kept somewhere safe for future reference. It is often an excellent idea for homeowners to carry this with them when selling their property, as it will reassure potential buyers that the property is safe to use gas.
What is included in a Gas Safety Certificate
The gas safety certificate includes the list of all gas appliances and infrastructures an engineer has been examining. The certificate also contains details about the engineer, including their name and Gas Safe Register number. The document typically begins with the header, which displays the date and location of the inspection. The document then lists the appliances that were checked, their status and any action taken or safety issues that were identified.
The gas safety certificate includes information about the house where the inspection was conducted, and also the details of the landlord or managing agents. The certificate must contain an address, a postcode and any identifiers which distinguish different properties. The certificate must also contain the engineer's ID number and name, as well as signature.
Landlords must conduct regular gas safety inspections in their rental properties. It is essential to ensure that the gas appliances and pipes can be used safely and that there aren't any leaks or dangers that could pose a danger to the occupants. If any appliances are found be unsafe the engineer will mark them as in the certificate. Three codes are used to indicate the level of safety of an appliance: immediately dangerous, at risk or Not Current Standards.
It is crucial for landlords to keep their gas safety certificates up-to date, as they can be legally required when selling a property. As part of their due diligence, prospective buyers may request the records and utilize them to pinpoint any issues they need to address prior to purchasing the property.
Landlords can arrange for a gas safety inspection with a Gas Safe registered engineer, or conduct the check themselves using our user-friendly platform. We recommend arranging the Gas Safety Check at least once every 12 months, to ensure that all appliances are in good order and are not posing any danger to the residents.
It is not the responsibility of tenants to get an annual gas safety certificate or have their appliances checked. This is the landlord's responsibility, who is required to arrange an annual inspection and issue a gas safety certificate to their tenants.
How much will a Gas Safety Certificate cost?
A gas safety certificate is a legal requirement for landlords to ensure their rental properties are safe for tenants to use. The cost of a gas safety check will vary depending on the size and the location of your property, as well as the amount of gas appliances that need inspection.
It's important to communicate with your tenants and let them know when the inspection will take place so that they can be prepared for it. It's also a good idea to explain the reason they should let the engineer to do the inspection. Some tenants are hesitant to grant access because they feel it's an invasion of privacy or they could be in danger if they don't permit the engineer to inspect the boiler, fireplace or other appliances. It's worth reminding them that it's a legal requirement, and could lead to the tenant facing fines or criminal charges if they do not allow access when an issue with one of your appliances is found, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
The gas engineer will give you the certificate once the inspection is completed. This will include the date of the service, the engineer's details and your property address as well as a complete list of all the appliances or installations that were inspected. The report will also include the appliances or installations that failed the test as well as any work required.
Gas Safe certificates are usually in black and yellow and your engineer will provide you a copy for each appliance or installation they have been examining. This documentation should be kept for future reference and you must also give a copy to each tenant.
Your gas engineer will give you a copy of the Gas Safety Record. This record is valid for one month from the date of the inspection. You must renew your Gas Safety Certificate prior to the expiration date. You should also give a copy of it to any new tenants who move into your property.