One-fifth of all homes in the UK are rented out privately. This accounts for approximately 18.8% of all private property. Landlords must naturally abide by certain rules and regulations to ensure that their property is safe for habitation.
Aside from guaranteeing timely repairs and regular maintenance, landlords need to optimize the safety of their property. This means taking appropriate steps to minimize the possibility of accidents stemming from electrical or gas connections.
Landlords must secure an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) to give insight into the energy efficiency of their property. Similarly, they need to get a gas safety certificate, CP12, annually. The purpose of these certificates is to provide documentary evidence of the condition of a property and that the landlord is abiding by the law.
What Are Gas Safety Certificates?
A gas safety certificate is a document that proves that the gas appliances, connections, and ventilation system of a property have been inspected and approved for safety by an expert. The gas safety certificate, or a CP12, is issued after a registered gas safety engineer has conducted a thorough inspection of a property.
A gas safety certificate lists the date of inspection and address of the property. It details all the gas appliances and their location on the property. It includes the results of the inspection, whether any faults were found or not. Comments and remarks by the gas safety engineer, for instance, if there are any suggestions, are also included.
The certificate also lists the name and address of the owner, as well as the details and signature of the gas safety engineer. There is an inspection fee involved. The landlord’s gas certificate cost is based on the property’s particulars, including its size and location. It is a nominal amount, especially considering that it is an annual expense.
Who Needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
UK law requires all landlords to acquire gas safety certificates on an annual basis. Landlords are also required to provide copies of the two latest CP12 certificates to tenants as proof of gas safety inspections on the property.
Failure to comply with this law can result in fines or imprisonment. Tenants can also seek compensation for damages since getting a record of gas safety for the property they are renting is their legal right. While it is mandatory for landlords, any property owner can acquire a gas safety certificate. It is, in fact, recommended to get one annually. It is a small fee for the assurance that your property is safe.
Landlords whose property does not have a gas connection do not need to get a gas safety certificate. However, it must be made clear to the tenants so they are aware of the exemption.
How to Get a Gas Safety Certificate?
If you are apprehensive about getting a gas safety certificate, there is no need to worry. Acquiring one is easy and simple. There are a few key points to remember. Firstly, a gas safety certificate can only be issued by a registered gas safety engineer. You can check out for yourself whether the individual you are hiring is a registered gas safety engineer or not.
Secondly, regardless of how difficult it may be for you, try to be present during the inspection. This way, you can learn something about gas safety and can be alerted immediately if the gas safety engineer happens to discover a problem.
Here is how you can get a gas safety certificate:
- Book an appointment for an inspection by a gas safe registered engineer.
- Be present for the inspection. Clear your schedule if necessary.
- Guide the gas safe engineer and show them around. Show them all the appliances, flues, connections, and the ventilation system.
- Take notes on your phone if necessary. The gas safety engineer might provide tips and helpful suggestions during the inspection, so remain focused.
- Once the inspection is complete, the gas safe engineer will issue a certificate if no issues are found. In case a problem is identified, the gas safe engineer will not issue the CP12 and will direct you to rectify the problem and schedule another inspection after it has been resolved.
Importance of Getting a Gas Safety Certificate
Gas safety certificates are a legal requirement for landlords. It may seem unfair since rental property owners do not have a choice in the matter. However, getting a gas safety certificate has its benefits. The cost and the inconvenience of being present for the gas inspection are the only two downsides to getting a CP12. On the other side, getting one makes you a law-abiding citizen, and you can rent out your property without any repercussions as long as you act responsibly.
Getting regular gas inspections keeps your property safe and well-maintained. The inspection can identify issues before they become worse. It is always better to make timely repairs since they cause much less hassle and cost less. This way, getting regular gas inspections may end up saving you money.
Most of all, gas inspections ensure safety. They keep the residents safe. Even though you may not be living on the property, someone is, and as the owner, you are partially responsible for their safety. It is the right thing to do, even if it is not enforced by law.
Additional Gas Safety Measures
While gas safety certificates ensure protection against gas-related incidents, you can never be 100% certain. The possibility of a gas leak or fire can never be entirely ruled out. As a responsible landlord, you can reduce the risk significantly by implementing additional gas safety measures.
These include installing carbon monoxide detectors. Much like smoke alarms, CO detectors sense excess gas in the air and raise an alarm. It is also helpful to provide tenants with fire extinguishers; these should be kept in an easily accessible location.
You must also brief tenants on how to shut the gas mains so they can act quickly and cut the gas supply if a gas leak is suspected. Provide them with emergency numbers so they can call for help if needed. It is necessary to work in cooperation with tenants to improve the safety of your home.
Safety and security are non-negotiable aspects of a house. If your property is not able to offer safety, then it does not matter what other attributes it has. Without safety, very little else matters. Gas safety certificates are a way to improve the safety of your property. It is a worthwhile investment, one that is mandated by law.