Ten Gas Safety Certificate Check Myths You Should Never Share On Twitter
What is a Gas Safety Certificate and Who Needs One? A gas safety certificate is a document that lists all the inspections and tests an engineer conducts on your gas appliances. These inspections help reduce the chance of poisoning by carbon monoxide in your home. The law obliges landlords to conduct annual inspections of their properties. Gas Safe registered engineers must also conduct the inspections. What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)? A gas safety certificate is a legal document that demonstrates that all appliances and installations within your property have been checked by a certified engineer to make sure they are safe to use. It's a legal requirement that landlords to have their gas appliances and flues regularly inspected to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, or other serious accidents. Landlords who don't comply with these regulations face fines or even prosecution. A gas engineer will carry out an extensive inspection of the home prior to issuing the document which will include specifics of the appliances and installations that they tested. It will also indicate whether they passed or failed the test. It will also include suggestions for further action, if required. The name and address of the landlord will be listed on the certificate along with a date when the test was conducted. Gas safety certificates are available in two distinct types that are domestic and non-domestic. The former is intended for homes, flats and studios whereas the latter is for commercial properties like warehouses and office buildings. Both certificates have to be renewed each year, and the engineer will issue a copy for each appliance that has been checked. Who needs gas safety checks? gas safety certificates is anyone who owns or rents out a home with any gas appliance or installation. This includes homeowners who are private housing associations, housing associations, local authorities, hotels and other hospitality venues, as well as schools. Landlords are 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 stay safe in the properties they lease or own. If you own a house that is managed by an agent managing the property It is essential to ensure that they are the ones to arrange the annual gas safety inspection and service. A managing agent's appointment doesn't mean you are free of your legal obligation to get the property tested and to provide your tenants with the most up-to-date Gas Safety Record. Although it's not a legal requirement for homeowners to keep their own records of gas safety however, they can be useful when selling the property as potential buyers will be looking for proof that the appliances have been maintained and are safe. The TA6 form that is a part of the conveyancing process, also asks for an evidence of gas safety which is why it's a good idea have one before selling. Who needs an Gas Safety Certificate? Gas Safe registered engineers will be required to inspect any gas appliance or pipework that is in any domestic or commercial property. This includes landlords, building owner and tenants who reside in a building that is managed by a managing agency. Landlords are bound by a variety of legal obligations. One of these is to ensure that all flues, appliances, and fittings are checked and certified safe by a Gas Safe engineer every 12 months. This is known as a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 and is a vital part of any rental property. It is unlawful for a landlord to rent out any property that is not accompanied by this document. Although homeowners don't have to adhere to the same legal requirements as landlords must, it's a good idea for them to have a gas Safety Check once a year. This will help to keep their boiler and all gas appliances in good working order and also help to identify any issues that need fixing, which could save them money in the long run. The gas safety certificate will usually include a header that shows the name and registration number of the engineer who carried out the inspection, along with the address of the property, postcode, and any other pertinent identifiers. It will also contain a list of all the appliances that were inspected, as well as an indication of whether they passed or failed. If any appliances were found to be unsafe they will be labeled as Not Compliant (NCS) or immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). This document is issued to the homeowner following the service and should be kept in a safe place for future reference. This document is ideal for homeowners when they are selling their house. It can reassure buyers that the house is safe to use gas. What is included in a Gas Safety Certificate The gas safety certificate includes an inventory of all gas appliances and infrastructures an engineer has inspected. It also includes information about the engineer, including their name and Gas Safe Register ID number. The document is usually arranged with a header displaying the date and place of the inspection. The document then lists the appliances that were scrutinized, their condition and any action taken or safety concerns that were discovered. The gas safety certificate contains details of the property where the inspection was conducted, as well as the name of the managing agent or landlord. The certificate must contain the address, postcode and any other identifiers that can be used to distinguish between properties. The certificate should also contain the engineer's ID number and name along with the signature. Landlords are legally obligated to conduct regular gas safety checks at their properties they let. This is to ensure that all the gas appliances and pipework are safe to use and there aren't any leaks or other dangers that could pose a risk to occupants. If any appliances are found be unsafe, the engineer will mark them as in the certificate. Three codes are used to determine the level of safety of an appliance: immediately Dangerous, At Risk, or Not Current Standards. Gas safety certificates are an obligation for landlords when selling a home. Potential buyers might request the certificates 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 an Gas Safe registered Engineer, or they may do it themselves using our user-friendly platform. We recommend that a Gas Safety Check is performed every year at a minimum to ensure that the appliances are in good in good condition and do not present any safety hazards to the occupants. It is not up to tenants to obtain the gas safety certification or have their appliances tested. 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? Gas safety certificates are a legal requirement that landlords must obtain to ensure the security of their rental properties. The cost of a safety check for gas appliances will vary depending on your property's size, location and number of appliances. It is important to inform your tenants and let them know when the inspection will occur so that they can be prepared for it. It is also helpful to explain the reason to let them in to allow the engineer to carry out the check. Some tenants are hesitant to allow access due to the belief that it's an privacy invasion or they could be in danger if they don't permit the engineer to inspect the fireplace, boiler or other appliances. You should remind that it is a legal requirement. It is also possible to face fines or even criminal charges if an engineer cannot access the fireplace, boiler, or any other appliances. When the gas engineer is finished carrying out the inspection after which they will give you a a copy of your gas safety certificate. The certificate will include the date and the contact information of the engineer as well as your address for the property. It will also include a list of all appliances and installations that were inspected. The report will also detail any appliances or installations that failed the test and any work required. Gas Safe certificates are usually in black and yellow and your engineer will give you a copy of every appliance or installation they've been examining. It is recommended to keep this certificate for future reference and also to give a copy to your tenants. Your gas engineer will send you a copy of the Gas Safety Record. This record is valid for 12 month from the date of the inspection. You must make sure that you renew your Gas Safety Certificate before it expires. You should also give a copy to tenants who are about to move into your property.