Gas Safety Checks For Landlords
A gas safety certificate is a document that proves your property's flues and appliances have been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified engineer. It contains an inventory of all appliances that were inspected, along with any immediate safety measures that are required.
Landlords are required to provide this document prior to signing a lease. It's 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 certification?
A gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12 is a government-issued document that confirms that your property's gas appliances have been inspected by a certified engineer and meet the necessary safety standards. Gas installations and appliances in rental properties are required to be checked and certified to ensure the safety of tenants. Inability to conduct regular gas checks can result in severe consequences, such as a fine or even imprisonment.
There are many things that an engineer certified by the EPA will examine during a gas safety inspection including the condition of the boiler and other appliances, ensuring that they're operating properly, examining their connection to the gas supply pipe and checking for any signs of tampering or damage, and ensuring that there is adequate ventilation around the appliance and that harmful gases are able to escape safely. The engineer will also examine the chimneys and flues to ensure that they are in good working order.
Landlords are legally required to have their properties gas appliances tested and certified safe before they can rent them out. It is not too late for homeowners to have their gas appliances checked and certified as safe.
The front of a gas safety certificate will display information about the engineer who conducted the inspection, including their name and Gas Safe registration number. The certificate will also include the date of the inspection and the address of the house where the inspection was conducted.
The body of the certificate will then list all of the equipment and installations that were examined, and indicate whether they passed or failed the inspection. The certificate will then be followed by a summary of the findings, which will include any issues or safety concerns that were identified during the the inspection. The property will be classified as a House of Multiple Occupancy, and the responsibilities of any head landlords if the owner is not accountable for the gas safety inspection.
How can I get a gas safety certificate?
If my sources are a landlord and want to ensure the gas appliances in your home are safe for tenants to use, you'll need to get an official gas safety certificate. It is also known as a CP12 or Corgi Proforma 12. This official document confirms that the property's appliances and gas installations have been inspected. The process of getting one is quite easy. The process begins when you locate an engineer who is Gas Safe registered and willing to conduct an inspection of your home. You can complete an easy online form or contact the company directly. Once you find an engineer, he will schedule a time to visit your property. Landlords are required to provide their tenants with the CP12 copy CP12 within a maximum of 28 days.
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all flues and gas appliances in your property are maintained and in good condition. Carbon monoxide leaks can be fatal if they are not caught in time. This is why regular inspections and certificates are crucial.
The engineer will sign your CP12 after they have completed the inspection. It should contain information about the engineer including their name, registration number and the date of the inspection. It should also include the list of gas appliances and installations that were checked along with details on whether each appliance was able to pass the inspection or not.
You might be required to provide a CP12 when you intend to sell your home in the future. It's a standard document that can speed up the conveyancing process and give potential buyers peace of mind that the home they're purchasing is gas-safe.
If you reside in a flat or shared home, it's not necessarily the landlord's responsibility to schedule the annual inspection and give you an CP12. It's crucial to keep track of the date your boiler last had an inspection and keep an emergency plumber available in the event that something goes wrong.
How can I find an engineer for gas safety who is skilled?
If you're looking to ensure the safety of your home's gas installations and address any issues that might arise, finding an Gas Safe engineer is essential. These experts are qualified to conduct regular safety checks and address any gas work, and provide you with a certificate. Gas Safe Register allows you to search for engineers in your area.
Inquiring about the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is a great idea when you locate one. This card will include an image of the engineer and their Gas Safe licence number. It will also include the procedures that they are able to perform. It is an excellent idea to check the back of the card for a list of their qualifications.
It is also important to ensure that the engineer has been qualified for a long time, and that their license is valid. Gas engineers who aren't licensed are known to perform unsafe work, leaving you with defective appliances that could lead to explosions, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect an engineer is not Gas Safe registered, you can report them to the official Gas Safe Register website or by calling their helpline.
Every year, landlords and homeowners are required to have the gas appliances installed in their properties checked by an engineer registered with Gas Safe. Inability to do this can result in fines, prosecution, and even jail time. If you are thinking of purchasing the property, it's crucial to know the date that the gas appliances of the property were last inspected. You can usually request an original copy of the Gas Safety Record from the seller, or hire an Gas Safe registered engineer to check the property's gas appliances.
Regular gas inspections are not only required by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998, but they could also save you a significant amount of money. Conducting regular inspections of your gas appliances will allow you to spot issues before they become serious and save money on repairs. Regular inspections can assist you in avoiding hazards such as carbon monoxide, which is difficult to spot because it is colorless and odourless.
What to expect at an inspection for gas safety
Regular gas safety checks are important to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas safety (Installation and use) Regulations of 1988 also require landlords to check their gas appliances on a yearly basis. It's vital that you choose an experienced plumber to conduct the inspection and issue the required CP12 certificate. Asking friends and family members for recommendations is a good way to start. You can also search online for reviews about local engineers.
During the gas safety inspection, your engineer will inspect the gas appliances in your home. The engineer will check the operating pressure of your gas appliances, their flame failure safety device, thermostats, and whether they're in good working order. They will also test for leaks of gas and carbon monoxide detectors. They will then test the chimneys and flue systems to ensure that they are free of blockages and that gases are able to escape safely.
It's a great idea shut off your gas appliances one hour before the engineer arrives. This will save time and ensure that the appliance is cool enough to test. It's also an excellent idea to remove any debris or objects that are stored close to your gas appliances, because this will make the work easier for the engineer.
After the engineer has completed, they will issue an CP12 certificate that confirms that your gas appliances and pipework are safe to use. This certificate will be provided as both a paper and digital version for you to keep as evidence of your compliance with the law. The engineer will advise you what steps to take if you encounter any issues.
It is important to remember that a CP12 does not cover repairs or spare parts. The landlord must book boiler services separately and carry out them at least once a year to ensure that your boiler is operating effectively and safely as it can.