Gas Safety Checks For Landlords
A gas safety certificate is a document which confirms that the flues and appliances in your home were checked and declared safe by an engineer. It also includes a list of all appliances that were inspected, along with any immediate safety measures needed.
Landlords are required to provide this document before signing leases. It is also known 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 referred to as a CP12 is a government-issued document that certifies that the gas appliances in your home have been examined by a licensed engineer and meet the necessary safety standards. Gas installations and appliances in rental properties must be checked and certified to ensure tenants' safety. Inability to conduct regular gas inspections can be a cause for serious consequences, such as an indictment or fine.
There are a variety of things that an engineer certified by the EPA will examine during an inspection for gas safety for example, the condition of the boiler and other appliances, ensuring that they function properly, examining their connection to the gas supply pipe and checking for any signs of damage or tampering and making sure there's adequate ventilation around the appliance and that harmful gases can escape safely. The engineer will also check the flues and chimneys to ensure they are in good shape.
Landlords are legally obliged to have their properties gas appliances examined and certified safe before renting them out. It is not too late for homeowners to have their gas appliances inspected and certified as safe.
The header of a gas safety certificate will include details about the person who performed the inspection including their name and Gas Safe registration number. The header of gas safety certificates will include information about the engineer who conducted the inspection, which includes their name and Gas Safe registration number.
The body of the certificate will include a list of all the appliances and installations that were examined, and indicate whether they passed or failed the inspection. The certificate will then be followed by a brief summary of the findings, which will include any safety concerns or issues that were raised during the the inspection. If the property is an House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), this will be noted together with the obligations of the head landlord in the event that it is not the owner who is responsible for arranging the gas safety check.
How do I get an official certificate of gas safety?
If you are a landlord and want to ensure that the gas appliances in your home are safe for tenants to use, you require gas safety certificates. Also called a CP12 or Corgi Proforma 12, it is the official document that proves your property's gas appliances and installations have been inspected. The procedure to get one is relatively easy. The process begins when you find an engineer who is Gas Safe registered and willing to inspect your property. This can be done by filling out a simple online form or calling the company directly. If you locate an engineer, they will schedule a time to come and inspect your property. Landlords are required to provide their tenants with an original copy of CP12 in no more than 28 days.
As the owner of your property, it is your responsibility to ensure that all gas appliances and flues are in good working condition and properly maintained. In the absence of this, it could result in carbon monoxide leaks that can be fatal if they are not discovered quickly. This is why regular inspections and certificates are so important.
Once the engineer has completed the inspection, they will issue you with your CP12 and then sign it. It should contain information about the engineer, including their name and registration number, as well as the date of the inspection. It should also include a list of all the gas appliances and installations that were inspected, along with details about the likelihood that each appliance was able to pass or fail the inspection.
You may be asked to provide the CP12 if you plan to sell your house in the future. This standard document will speed up the conveyancing and give potential buyers the peace of mind they want to know that the house is gas-safe.
If you live in a shared house or flat, it is not always the landlord's responsibility to schedule an annual inspection and issue you with an CP12. It's recommended to keep track of the date your boiler was last serviced and have an emergency plumber on hand just in case there's a problem.
How to find a competent gas safety engineer?
If you want to ensure the security of your gas installations and resolve any issues that could arise, contacting an Gas Safe engineer is essential. They are certified to conduct routine safety checks, illegal gas work, as well as providing you with a certificate. You can find an engineer using the official Gas Safe Register, which provides a search feature that allows you to find an engineer within your area.
If you find an engineer, it is recommended to ask them for their Gas Safe ID card. This card will include a picture of the engineer and their Gas Safe licence number. It will also list the procedures they are certified to complete. Check the back of the card to determine the list of the qualifications.
It is also important to ensure 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 fires, explosions, 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.
Every year, homeowners and landlords are required to have gas appliances in their homes examined by an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe. Failure to comply can result in fines or even a prosecution. If you are thinking of purchasing an investment property, it is crucial to know the date that the gas appliances of the property were last examined. You can request a copy of the Gas Safety Record from the seller, or you can hire an Gas Safe registered engineer to check the property's gas appliances.
Regular gas inspections aren't only required by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998, but they could also save you lots of money. Regularly inspecting your gas appliances can allow you to identify problems before they become serious and save money on repairs. In addition, regular inspections will also help you avoid dangers such as carbon monoxide leaks that are difficult to detect since they are not odourless or colourless.
What to expect during a gas safety inspection
Regular gas safety checks are important to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. It's also a requirement for landlords to have their gas appliances checked annually as required by the law of The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998. It is important that you choose a plumber who is certified to conduct the inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. Asking family and friends for recommendations is a great method to begin. You can also search online for reviews about local engineers.
In a gas safety inspection the engineer will inspect all your gas appliances. This will include checking their operating pressure, the flame failure safety device, as well as thermostats, and whether they are in good working order. They will also look for a gas leak and carbon monoxide detectors. They will also test the chimneys and flue system to ensure that they are not blocked and that gases can escape safely.
It's a great idea to shut off your gas appliances one hour before the technician arrives. This will reduce time and ensure that the appliance is cool enough to be tested. It is also a good thing to remove any clutter or items stored near the gas appliance. This will make the engineer's job easier.
When the engineer is finished, they will issue the CP12 certificate that confirms that your gas appliances and pipework are safe to use. gas safe milton keynes will be provided in the form of a paper copy as well as a digital copy for you to keep as evidence of your compliance with the law. The engineer will tell you what steps to take if you have any problems.
It is important to note that a CP12 does not cover repairs or parts. Boiler services must be booked separately by the landlord and carried out at least once a year to ensure that your boiler is running in the most efficient and safe way possible.