Gas Safety Checks For Landlords
A gas safety certificate confirms that your home's flues and appliances have been checked and deemed safe by a qualified engineer. It includes a list of all appliances checked, along with any immediate safety measures required.
Landlords must submit this document prior to signing a lease. 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?
Gas safety certificates, sometimes referred to by the acronym CP12 These are official documents that certify that your home's appliances have been inspected and certified as safe by a qualified engineer. It is an obligation for landlords to get their gas installations and appliances tested and certified as safe in order for tenants to be assured of their safety. Gas checks are required for landlords. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences like fines or even jail.
There are various elements that an engineer certified by the EPA will examine during a gas safety inspection for example, the condition of the boiler and other appliances, ensuring that they function properly, examining their connection to the gas supply pipe and looking for signs of tampering or damage, and making sure there is enough ventilation around the appliance so that harmful gases are able to escape safely. In addition the engineer will take a look at the flues and chimneys to make sure they are in good order.
Landlords must have their gas appliances certified to be safe before they are able to rent their properties. It's not too late for homeowners to get their gas appliances tested and certified as safe.
The certificate's header will include information regarding the engineer who conducted the inspection. This will include their name and Gas Safe registration numbers. It will also contain the date of the inspection and the address of the property where the check was carried out.
The certification will then list the appliances and installation that were inspected. It will also indicate if they passed the test or not. Then, it will be followed by a summary of the findings, highlighting any issues or safety concerns that were identified during the the inspection. If the property is classified as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) the situation 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 inspection.
How do I get a gas safety certificate?
If you are a landlord and want to ensure that the gas appliances that are in your property are safe for tenants to use, you need to get an official gas safety certificate. It's also referred to as a CP12, or Corgi Proforma 12. This official document confirms that the property's appliances and gas installations have passed an inspection. The process of getting one is relatively straightforward. It starts when you find a Gas Safe registered engineer that's willing to conduct an inspection in your property. This can be done by filling out an easy online form or calling the company directly. When you have found an engineer, they will schedule a time to visit your property. Landlords are required to provide their tenants with an original copy of the CP12 within 28 days.
As an owner, it's your responsibility to make sure that all flues and gas appliances in your property are properly maintained and in good condition. Failing to do so could lead to carbon monoxide leaks that can be fatal if they are not detected quickly. This is why regular inspections and certification are essential.
The engineer will sign your CP12 when they have completed the inspection. It should display details about the engineer including their name and registration number, as well as the date of the inspection. It will also contain an inventory of the gas appliances and installation that were inspected and the details of whether each appliance was able to pass the inspection or not.
You may be required to submit a CP12 in the event that you intend to sell your house in the future. It's a standard document that can accelerate the conveyancing process and give potential buyers confidence that the property they're purchasing is safe to use gas.
If you live in a flat or shared home, it's not necessarily the responsibility of your landlord to organize the annual inspection and provide you with a CP12. It's a good idea to keep track of the date your boiler was last serviced and have an emergency plumber in case anything goes wrong.
Where can I find an engineer for gas safety who is competent?
If you want to ensure the security of your gas installations and resolve any issues that could arise, contacting the services of a Gas Safe engineer is essential. These professionals are qualified to conduct regular safety checks, address any illegal gas work, and provide you with the certificate. You can locate an engineer by using the official Gas Safe Register, which has a search feature which allows you to find an engineer within your area.
Asking for the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is a great idea once you find one. The card will contain a picture of the engineer along with their Gas Safe licence number. It will also include the procedures that they are certified to complete. Go to the back of the card to determine whether there is a list of qualifications.
Also, make sure the engineer has been trained for a while, and that their licence is valid. It is not common for gas engineers who are not licensed to carry out unsafe work, and leave you with faulty appliances that could cause explosions, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect an engineer is not Gas Safe registered, you should report them to the official Gas Safe Register website or by calling their helpline.
Landlords and homeowners must have their property's gas appliances inspected by an Gas Safe registered engineer every year. Failure to comply can result in fines and even prosecution. It is important to be aware of when the gas appliances in a property were last inspected in the event of purchasing it. You can request a copy of the Gas Safety Record or hire a Gas Safe registered Engineer to check the gas appliances.
Regular gas inspections are not only required by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998, but they can also save you a lot of money. By having your gas appliances regularly checked, you can spot potential problems before they become major and avoid costly repairs. Regular inspections can aid in avoiding dangers like carbon monoxide which is difficult to spot because it is colorless and odourless.
What to expect at a gas safety inspection
Regular gas safety checks are vital to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas safety (Installation and Utilization) Regulations from 1988 oblige landlords to examine their gas appliances on an annual basis. It is essential to select a competent plumber to carry out the inspection and issue the CP12 certificate. One way to do this is to ask friends and family members for recommendations, or search on the internet for reviews of local engineers.
During the gas safety check the engineer will check all your gas appliances. gas fitters milton keynes will include checking their operating pressure, the flame failure safety device and thermostats, and whether they are in good working order. They will also determine whether there is an oxygen leak or carbon monoxide and if there are any carbon monoxide alarms. They will then test the chimney and flue system to ensure that there are no blockages and gases can escape safely.
If your gas appliances are currently being used it is best to switch them off an hour before the technician arrives. This will help to 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 job of the engineer simpler.
The engineer will issue a CP12 certification 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 encounter any issues, the engineer will advise you on the steps to correct the issue.
It is important to remember that a CP12 does not cover repairs or spare parts. Boiler service should be reserved separately by the landlord and carried out at least annually to ensure that your boiler is running as efficiently and safely as possible.