Do Homeowners Need a Gas Safety Certificate?
There is no legal requirement for homeowners to be equipped with a gas safety certification. However, it can to put buyers' minds at ease and could make it easier to sell your home.
It also helps to spot any gas or heating problems early which can save homeowners money as well as preventing carbon monoxide leaks that could prove fatal. Find out why homeowners need certificates of gas safety and how it functions.
Legal Requirements
Gas safety certificates are a legal requirement for landlords to have their homes inspected every year. This document proves that all the flues, appliances and fittings within a home have been inspected by a certified engineer and that they are safe to use.
The engineer will ensure that all gas appliances are in good working order and that the connections to them are secure and there is adequate ventilation. They will also look for obstructions in the flues, and ensure that all gas pipes are adequately size and free of corrosion, make sure there is no leakage and ensure that no carbon monoxide is being produced. They will then issue the gas safety certificate, which will include a list of all the appliances and the dates that they were checked.
A homeowner may also wish to have a gas safety certificate issued, as it will ensure their peace of mind regarding the health of the gas appliances and installations within their home. It can also help identify any issues early, which could prevent accidents and save money.
Potential buyers of a home might ask for the gas safety certificates, and this is a good idea to do if you are considering selling your house. This will inform the buyer that all the gas appliances and installations within the home are in good working order, which can save the buyer a significant amount of money and time.
If what is gas safety certificate does not 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 building has been declared unfit for human habitation and could result in injuries or even deaths.
Keep an original copy of the certificate for your records so that you can present the certificate to prospective tenants or buyers. This will help you to sell your home and show that you are concerned about the safety of tenants.
Benefits
It is crucial to have a gas safety certification for both landlords and homeowners. It ensures that all appliances and installations conform to the safety requirements and helps keep residents safe from dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning. It also shields landlords from potentially severe legal penalties if they do not comply with regulations.
Landlords that fail to adhere to the gas safety regulations could be penalized with fines and prison time. A valid gas safety certificate can assist you in avoiding this, and will make renting your property more convenient. Prospective tenants are more likely to lease properties from landlords with an excellent track background.
Those looking to buy properties must also ensure that the current owner has a valid gas safety certification in place before making an offer. This will give them peace-of-mind that the gas appliances are safe to use, and they will not be required to make expensive repairs after moving in.
Certain home insurance policies could require a certificate of gas safety as a condition to be covered. This is particularly applicable to landlords who might need to provide evidence that they are in compliance with the regulations regarding gas safety in order to renew or obtain their insurance.
Homeowners should make sure that the engineer they choose is Gas Safe registered before having any work done on their gas appliances and installations. Only those engineers on the Gas Safe Register have completed rigorous tests and are certified for safety inspections of gas systems. The homeowner should also ask that their engineer provide a written report following the inspection. It will contain an inventory of all gas appliances and installations that have been inspected and their current condition (pass or fail) and any recommended action items. It is also a good idea to take a copy the certificate for your documents. Many customers have praised professional service and quick turnaround times of their chosen gas safety experts giving them peace of mind and invaluable assurance that their homes are safe to live in.
Costs
Gas safety certificates are not only a legal requirement for landlords and tenants, but also an investment in the safety of your tenants. CP12 certificates are a yearly examination of your gas appliances and pipework to be sure that they're safe to use, and it's a good idea for homeowners too, as gas equipment that isn't working properly could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and even explosions.
The cost of a CP12 certification is different from property to property but is usually about PS80. This includes the engineer's fees, the certificate in a form to keep in your files and any work that might be required to bring your appliances to standards. It is worth getting multiple quotes from engineers to find the lowest price. Be cautious of prices that appear too good to be true.
Landlords are accountable for all gas appliances and flues in their properties. The law obliges them to conduct an annual inspection conducted by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will help to ensure that your property is safe for people to reside in, and will allow you to avoid costly fines or prison if you don't meet the legal requirements.
The cost of the gas safety inspection is contingent on a variety of factors, including the number of appliances within the property and its type. Homes that are residential typically have fewer gas appliances, which means that the cost is lower. Commercial properties however may require an in-depth check, leading to higher cost. Some engineers offer discounts if you bundle your inspections.
The location is a major aspect in determining the price of the certificate. Prices can vary across the UK and are usually higher in areas that have a higher demand for engineers. Emergency inspections are more expensive than regular inspections, especially in the event that your gas certificate is about expire.
Expiry Date
The annual inspection of your property will not only ensure that you comply with the law, but also that you and your tenants remain safe. This is especially important for landlords who lease out their properties. Landlords are accountable to ensure that the gas appliances they use are operating safely and have an up-to-date gas safety certificate.
Gas safety inspections are performed by Gas Safe registered engineers who examine the boiler, flues and any other gas appliances within the house. Appliances that are not working properly are identified on the gas safety certificate. They are classified as ID (immediate risk) or AR (at-risk) or NT(not conforming to current standards). Appliances rated ID need to be replaced immediately and those rated AR require urgent repairs.
After the engineer is finished after the service, you will receive a copy the Gas Safety Record. This must be given to all current tenants within 28 days after the service and to any new tenants prior to their move into. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines or, in more serious cases, prosecution.
Gas safety inspections aren't a legal requirement for homeowners, but it is recommended that they do them. This will help them avoid any unforeseen issues that may arise with their gas appliances and provide them with peace of mind that they are safe to use. You should also be aware that some home insurance policies require an official Gas Safety Certificate.
In certain situations a landlord may face difficulties gaining access to their property in order to conduct the gas safety inspection. However, the tenancy agreement should clearly state that the landlord has the right to access the property for safety and maintenance. Landlords must use every reasonable measure to gain access to their property, including reiterating their request and writing to tenants to explain that gas safety checks are required by law. If all else fails, the tenant has a right to terminate their contract and seek legal advice.