What is a Gas Safety Certificate and Who Needs One?
A gas safety certificate is a document that includes all the tests and inspections an engineer performs on your gas appliances. These inspections help reduce the risk of poisoning with carbon monoxide at home.
Landlords are required by law to organise the inspections on an annual basis. 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 proves that the installations and appliances of your property have all been checked by a qualified engineer. This ensures that they are safe for use. It's a legal requirement for landlords to have their flues and gas appliances inspected every year to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or other serious accidents. Landlords who do not comply with these regulations are subject to fines or even criminal prosecution.
A gas engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection of the home prior to issuing the certificate, which will contain details of each appliance and installations that they tested. The report will show whether the appliances and installations passed or failed, as well as any recommendations for further action. The name and address of the landlord will be recorded on the certificate along with a date when the test was carried out.
There are two kinds of gas safety certificates: domestic and non-domestic. The first is intended for homes, flats and studios, while the latter applies to commercial properties such as warehouses or office buildings. Both certificates need to be renewed every year, and the engineer will give a copy of each appliance that has been checked.
Who should undergo a gas safety inspection? Anyone who owns, rents or owns a property that has any type of gas appliance. This includes private homeowners as in housing associations, local authorities, hotels and hospitality establishments. Landlords are particularly required to have their properties examined and issue their tenants with the latest Gas Safety Record, as they are legally responsible to ensure that their tenants are safe in the homes they rent or own.
If you own a home and have an agent managing the care of your property, then it is important to ensure that they're the ones who plan the annual service and gas safety checks. The fact that you have a managing agent does not absolve you of the legal obligation to have the property tested and to provide your tenants with the most current Gas Safety Record.
Although it's not a legal requirement for homeowner-occupiers to keep their own gas safety records but they can be useful when it comes to selling the property, as potential buyers will want proof that the appliances are maintained and are safe. The TA6 form that forms part of the conveyancing process will also require the record of gas safety which is why it's recommended to keep one before selling.
Who requires a Gas Safety Certificate?
Essentially, anyone who owns a domestic or commercial property that has gas appliances and pipes is required to be examined by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes landlords, building owner and some tenants who live in a building that is managed by an agency that manages the building.
Gas Safe engineers must check and confirm that all appliances, flues, and fittings in a rental property are safe for a period of 12 months. Gas Safety Certificates or CP12 are an essential element of any rental property. It is not legal for a landlord to rent out any property without this certificate.
While homeowners don't have to comply with the same legal requirements as landlords must, it's an excellent 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 working order and also help to identify any issues that need fixing, which can save them money in the long term.
The gas safety certificate will typically include a header that shows the name and registration number of the engineer who performed the inspection, as well as the address of the property, postcode, and other pertinent identifications. The certificate will also list the appliances that were inspected and note whether they were successful or not. If any appliances were deemed to be dangerous they will be labeled as Not Compliant (NCS), Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR).
This document will be given to the homeowner at the conclusion of the service. It should be stored securely to be used in the future. It is recommended for homeowners to carry this document with them when they sell their property, as it can reassure potential buyers that the property is safe to use gas.
What is Included in what is included in a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate will include a full list of all gas appliances and the infrastructure that an engineer has checked. The certificate also includes details on the engineer such as 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 will then list the appliances that were inspected along with their condition, as well as any safety concerns or actions taken.
The gas safety certificate contains information about the property in which the inspection took place in addition to the name of the landlord or managing agent. The certificate must include an address, postcode and any identifiers that distinguish between properties. The certificate should also contain the engineer's ID number and name along with the signature.
Landlords must perform regular gas safety inspections in their properties they lease. This is to ensure that all the gas appliances and pipework are safe to use and that there aren't any leaks or other risks that could pose a danger for the occupants. The engineer will stamp the certificate if an appliance is unsafe. There are three codes that signify the level of safety of an appliance: Immediately Dangerous (ID) At Risk (AR) or Not to Current Standards (NCS).
It is essential for landlords to keep their gas safety certificates up-to date, as they can be legally required when selling the property. Prospective buyers may ask for the records as part of their due diligence and could use them to identify any issues they require to address prior to buying the property.
Landlords can arrange for an appointment for a Gas Safety Inspection with a Gas Safe registered Engineer, or they may do it themselves by 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 safety risks to people living in the premises.
It is not the responsibility of tenants to arrange for an official gas safety certificate or have their appliances inspected. It is the responsibility of the landlord to organize an annual inspection and issue an official certificate of gas safety.
How Much does a Gas Safety Certificate Cost?
A gas safety certificate is legally required for landlords to ensure that their rental properties are safe for tenants to use. The cost of a safety check for gas appliances can vary depending on your property's size, location and number of appliances.
can i get a copy of my gas safe certificate to communicate with your tenants and let them know when the inspection is scheduled to take place to ensure that they are prepared for it. It's important to explain the reason they should permit the engineer to do the inspection. It's not unusual for some tenants to be hesitant to grant access because they feel it's an invasion of privacy or that they could be put in danger if the engineer doesn't have access to inspect the fireplace, boiler, or any other appliances. It's worth reminding them that it's a legal requirement, and could result in the tenant facing fines or criminal charges if they do not permit access if there is a problem with your appliance is discovered, for instance, carbon monoxide poisoning.
Once the gas engineer has completed the inspection and has completed the inspection, they will give you a the gas safety certificate. The certificate will include the date, the engineer's contact details along with your address at the property and the list of all appliances and installations that were inspected. The report will also include any appliances or installations that failed the test and any work required.
Gas Safe certificates are usually in yellow and black and your engineer will send you a copy of every appliance or installation they've been examining. You should keep this documentation for future reference and also to give a copy to your tenants.
The gas engineer will provide you with a copy the Gas Safety Record, which will be valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. You must renew your Gas Safety Certificate prior to the expiration date. You should also provide the certificate to any new tenants that move into the property.