Gas Safety Checks For Landlords
A gas safety certificate proves your property's flues and appliances have been checked and deemed safe by a qualified engineer. It also includes a list of all appliances examined, as well as any immediate safety measures required.
Landlords must provide this documentation before a lease is signed. It is also referred to as a CP12 or CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official UK inspection document from April 2009.
What is a gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12, is an official document that confirms that the gas appliances in your home are inspected by a licensed engineer and meet the safety standards. Gas installations and appliances in rental properties should be checked and certified to ensure the safety of tenants. Failure to carry out regular gas inspections can result in severe consequences, including an indictment or fine.
There are many things that an engineer certified by the EPA will examine during the gas safety inspection including the condition of the boiler and other appliances, ensuring that they are working properly, examining their connection to the gas supply pipe, and checking for any signs of damage or tampering, and making sure there is sufficient ventilation around the appliance, and that harmful gases can escape safely. The engineer will also check the chimneys and flues to ensure that they are in good shape.
Landlords must have their gas appliances certified to be safe before they can rent out their properties. However, homeowners may also choose to have their home's gas appliances tested to ensure safety, as it's never too late to take precautions regarding the health and wellbeing of your loved ones.
The certificate's header will contain information about the person who performed the inspection. This will include their name and Gas Safe registration numbers. This will also include the date of the inspection, as well as the address of the property where the check was carried out.
The body of the certification will be followed by a list of the appliances and installations that were checked. It will also indicate if they passed the test or not. The summary of the inspection findings will be made available, including any safety issues or concerns raised. The property will be classified as a House of Multiple Occupancy, and the responsibilities of a head landlords if the owner is not accountable for the gas safety inspection.
How do you get a gas safety certificate?
Gas safety certificates are required by landlords who want make sure that their tenants are able safely use gas appliances. Also called Learn Even more or Corgi Proforma 12, it is the official document that proves the gas appliances in your property and installations have been inspected. The process for obtaining one is quite straightforward. It starts when you locate a Gas Safe registered engineer that's willing to conduct an inspection on your home. You can fill out an easy online form or contact the company directly. Once you have found an engineer and they have set a date to visit your home and carry out the inspection. Landlords must give their tenants an original copy of CP12 within a maximum of 28 days.
As the owner of your property as a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances and flues are in good condition and properly maintained. Failing to do so could result in carbon monoxide leaks, which can be fatal if not detected quickly. This is why regular inspections and testing are so important.
After the engineer has completed the inspection, they will issue you with a CP12 and then sign it. It should include information about the engineer including their name, registration number and the date of inspection. It should also contain a list of all the gas appliances and installations that were inspected as well as details on whether or not each appliance was able to pass or fail the inspection.
If you intend to sell your home in the future you might be required to produce a CP12 when you are planning to sell your home. This standard document will speed up the conveyancing process and provide potential buyers with the assurance they need that the property is safe for gas.
If you reside in a flat or shared home it's not always the responsibility of your landlord to organize the annual inspection and provide you with a CP12. It's essential to keep track of when your boiler last saw a service and have an emergency plumber available in case something goes wrong.
How do you find a reputable gas safety engineer?
Gas Safe engineers are essential in order to ensure that your gas installations are safe and address any issues that might arise. These professionals are qualified to conduct routine safety checks, address any illegal gas work, and provide you with a certificate. Gas Safe Register allows you to find gas engineers in your area.
Inquiring about the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is a good idea once you find one. This card will include the image of the engineer and their Gas Safe licence number. It will also list the procedures they are able to perform. It's recommended to examine the back of the card to find the list of their qualifications.
It is also essential to check the engineer's license and qualifications are valid. It is not uncommon for rogue gas engineers to perform dangerous work, and leave you with defective appliances that could cause explosions, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect that an engineer isn't Gas Safe registered, you should report them to the official Gas Safe Register website or by calling their helpline.
Landlords and homeowners must ensure that their homes' gas appliances are examined by an Gas Safe registered engineer every year. In the event of a non-conformity, it could result in fines, prosecution, and even jail time. If you are considering buying an investment property, it is important to find out when the property's gas appliances were last inspected. You can usually request a copy of the Gas Safety Record from the seller, or you can hire an Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect the property's gas appliances.
In addition to being a requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, regular gas inspections can also save you money. Conducting regular inspections of your gas appliances can allow you to identify problems before they become more serious and can save you money on repairs. Regular inspections can also aid in avoiding dangers like carbon monoxide which is difficult to spot because it is not colorless and smellless.
What to expect during a gas safety inspection
Regular gas safety checks is vital to avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 also require landlords to check their gas appliances on a yearly basis. It is crucial to choose a competent plumber to conduct the inspection and issue the required CP12 certificate. One method to accomplish this is to ask friends and family members for recommendations, or look online for reviews of local engineers.
During a gas safety check the technician will first examine all of your gas appliances. The engineer will examine the operating pressure of your gas appliances, their flame failure safety device, thermostats, and whether they are operating properly. They will also determine if there is an oxygen leak or carbon monoxide and if there's carbon monoxide alarms. Then, they will test the chimney and flue system to make sure that there aren't any obstructions and gases can escape safely.
It's a great idea to switch off your gas appliances at least an hour before the engineer arrives. This will save time and ensure that the appliance will be sufficiently cool to allow testing. It is also recommended to get rid of any obstructions or items stored near your gas appliances because this will make the work easier for the engineer.
The engineer will then issue a CP12 certificate that confirms the safety of your gas appliances and pipework. This will be provided in both a paper and digital version that you can keep as evidence of your compliance with the law. If you have any issues the engineer will inform you of the steps to correct them.
It is important to remember that a CP12 does not cover repairs or replacement parts. Boiler service should be reserved separately by the landlord and carried out at least once a year to ensure that your boiler is operating as safely and efficiently as possible.