It's The Complete Guide To Safety Certificates
Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates A gas safety certificate (also called a CP12, Landlord Certificate) is a legal document which confirms that the appliances, installations and pipework inside a house comply with specific safety standards. It is a crucial requirement for landlords and will assist in preventing leaks that could be dangerous, ensure that there is adequate ventilation, and so on. What is a Gas Safety Certificate? A gas safety certification is proof that the gas pipes and appliances of the property have been inspected by a certified professional. Gas safety certificates are essential for anyone who rents out their home, apartment or studio and cottages, lake houses, and studios that utilize gas appliances. The certificate demonstrates that all health and safety standards are fulfilled by the appliances and the installation. Without a gas safety certification owners could be charged an imposed fine or even jail time should any issues arise with the appliance or pipework. The document usually contains information about the engineer who performed the inspection, including their name, as well as registration numbers. The document also shows the date and any findings. A signature on the document helps ensure its authenticity and provides accountability for the process of inspection. The certificate will also include details on all the appliances that were inspected in the property. Gas appliances are typically classified as Non-Compliant, Instantly Dangerous or At Risk. Before a new certificate is issued, all 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 regularly inspected. The inspections are designed to detect potential dangers and can aid in preventing injuries or accidents caused by defective or poorly installed gas appliances. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that their tenants have access to their gas safety certificate. If a landlord tries to sell their property with an expired gas safety certificate, they could be in violation of the law and could face severe penalties, including prison time. This is why it's essential to ensure that a gas safety certificate is in good condition in all times, regardless whether the landlord plans to sell the property or not. If a landlord is planning to sell their property having an official gas safety certificate can boost the likelihood of a quick sale by putting potential buyers' minds at rest about the condition of the appliances and their installation. It can also serve as an advertising tool when promoting the property for sale. Who Needs a Gas Safety Certificate? A gas safety certificate is required by law for every tenant who moves into a landlord's property. This document proves that the landlord has made arrangements for all appliances and chimneys to be serviced by a qualified engineer. It's also a crucial element to ensure the safety of gas appliances that are located in the property. If the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations and schedules an inspection, they are at risk of receiving an enormous fine. Landlords may be held responsible for any accidents or deaths that could occur as a result of not having a valid certificate. Homeowners don't need an CP12 gas safety certificate, however it is still recommended that they have their appliances and pipework regularly checked by a certified engineer to ensure that everything is functioning and safe. This is especially important if they are planning to sell their home, since buyers are likely to ask to check the gas safety certificate prior to making a purchase. Generally, the header of the CP12 will contain information about the engineer that conducted the inspection. The header of the CP12 should include the name, registration number, and date of the inspection. The body of the report will provide the findings of the inspection and include whether appliances or pipework was deemed unsafe or needed repair. If any issues were identified, the engineer will generally seek permission to cut off any gas supply and recommend any necessary repairs. Landlords are also required to give tenants the CP12 copy within the shortest time possible after the inspection. Tenants who are currently tenants should receive a copy within 28 days following the inspection. It's recommended to give a copy of the CP12 to new tenants before they move in, to ensure that they are aware of any issues that could compromise their security. Landlords should keep a copy their old CP12 gas safety certificates, because this will help them demonstrate that they've met their obligations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform allows you to swiftly and easily arrange a gas inspection if you are a landlord or homeowner. Getting an Gas Safety Certificate If you are a landlord and you do not have a gas safety certificate, you should immediately apply for one. This is a requirement of law and ensures the safety of your tenants in your property. If you choose a company who specializes in this type inspection, they will guide you through the procedure. If they fail to conform to the law, landlords could face severe penalties, including prison time. It is safer to be safe instead of sorry. It is a landlord's responsibility to arrange for an annual gas safety check to be conducted on the appliances they have in their properties. The landlord must also give their tenants a copy prior to they move into the property. This will give them peace of mind that the appliances they will be installing in their new home are safe and it's a way of proving that they have fulfilled their legal obligations. During the safety check, an engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes inside the building. This is to make sure they're safe. They will look for things like carbon monoxide, which is produced when appliances aren't properly burning and can cause fatalities when inhaled massively. The engineer will also make sure that the flues are free of obstructions and that there aren't gas leaks within the building. Property owners who are preparing to sell their property may find that potential buyers want evidence that the property has been gas-safety tested. This could be a major selling aspect for the property, and it can help to accelerate the selling process. If a landlord doesn't have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, they'll need to get one before they put the property on the market. This will reassure buyers that the property is safe and could increase the interest. If the seller is unable to provide an authentic gas safety certificate, the sale may be canceled completely. Keeping a Gas Safety Certificate Gas is an energy source in a multitude of homes and businesses. Gas is utilized in millions of commercial and residential homes. In the end, strict regulations are in place to ensure the security of gas systems. This is done through regular inspections and checks by Gas Safe registered engineers. The landlord is responsible for organizing and recording the results of these tests. The results can be communicated to tenants to inform them that their landlord takes their safety seriously. Landlords should be aware that the Gas Safe certificate only lasts for 12 months. As such, they should be sure to schedule an appointment to take a new test and certification prior to this date. This will help to avoid any penalties or charges for late appointments. It is also a good idea to arrange the inspection with the same engineer each time, since this will save time and money. It is essential that the landlord is prepared prior the inspection. This means clearing out rooms so that the inspector is able to access all areas of the house without problems. It is also recommended to take out any clothing or other flammable items that may be close to the gas appliances. This reduces the chance of a fire and also prevent accidental ignition of these items. The gas engineer will carry out a full inspection on all gas appliances and installations inside the property. This will include checking that the appliance is operating correctly, that the pipework is safe and it is able to flow freely through the property without obstructions. Continuing will also ensure that carbon dioxide, the bi-product of gas combustion, doesn't get trapped in the house. After the inspection is completed, the engineer will issue the Gas Safety Certificate (or Record) to the landlord. The certificate will provide the findings of the inspection and will declare whether or not any gas appliances are classified as not in compliance with current Standards or immediately dangerous, or at risk. Landlords must keep an original copy of the report for their own records, and also provide it to any tenants within 28 days. They should also give an original copy to any new tenants at the beginning of their lease.