What is mkgassafety and Who Needs One?
A gas safety certificate lists all the tests and inspections an engineer conducts on your gas appliances. These inspections can to reduce the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning at your home.
Landlords are required by law to arrange these inspections on a regular basis. They should also be conducted by an Gas Safe registered engineer.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate is a valid document that proves that the appliances and installations of your property have been checked by a qualified engineer. This assures you that they are safe to use. It is a legal requirement for landlords to have their gas appliances and flues regularly inspected to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other serious accidents. Landlords who do not comply with these regulations are subject to fines or even criminal prosecution.
Before releasing the document, the gas engineer will conduct an exhaustive inspection to assess the condition of all appliances and installations. The report will show whether the appliances and installations passed or failed, as well as any suggestions for further action. The name and address of the landlord will be recorded on the certificate, along with the date on which the test was conducted.
There are two types of gas safety certificates that are domestic and non-domestic. The first one is for homes, flats and studios while the latter applies to commercial properties such as warehouses or office buildings. Both certificates must be renewed every year and the engineer will provide an exact copy of every appliance they have inspected.
Who is required to undergo an inspection for gas safety? The answer is anyone who leases or owns out a home with any type of gas appliance or installation. This includes homeowners who are private as also housing associations, local authorities and hotels and hospitality establishments. Landlords must inspect their properties and issue the most current Gas Safety Record to their tenants. They are legally responsible to ensure that their tenants are safe in their homes regardless of whether they rent or own them.
If you own a home and employ an managing agent to take care of your property, it's crucial to ensure that they are the ones who plan the annual service and gas safety checks. Having a managing agent does not relieve you of your legal obligation to get the property tested and to provide your tenants with the most current Gas Safety Record.
Although it's not an obligation for homeowners to keep their own gas safety records, they can be helpful when selling the property, as potential buyers will be looking for evidence that the appliances have been maintained and are safe. The TA6 form, which is part of the conveyancing process, also asks for a record of gas safety, so it's a good idea to have one before selling.
Who Needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence anyone who owns a home or commercial property that is equipped with gas appliances and pipework is required to be examined by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes landlords as well as building owners and even some tenants who may reside in a property that is managed by an agent who manages the property.
Gas Safe engineers must check and verify that all appliances, flues and fittings in rental properties are safe each year for 12 months. Gas Safety Certificates or CP12 are a crucial part of every rental property. It is against the law for landlords to let out the property without this certificate.
While homeowners don't have to comply with the same legal obligations 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 is in good condition and highlight any problems that require fixing.
The header of the gas safety certificate is likely to include the registration and name of the engineer who performed the inspection as well as any other identifiers relevant to the inspection. The certificate will also list all appliances that were tested and note whether they were successful or not. If appliances are deemed unsafe and are marked as not Compliant(NCS) immediately hazardous (ID) and At Risk (AR).
This document is issued to the homeowner following the service has been completed and is best kept safe for future reference. It is a good idea for homeowners to keep this document when selling their property, as it will reassure prospective buyers that the home is gas safe.
What is included in the Gas Safety Certificate
The gas safety certificate includes the list of all gas appliances and infrastructures an engineer has inspected. It also contains details about the engineer, including their name and Gas Safe Register ID number. The document usually starts with a header that displays the date and location of the inspection. The document then lists the appliances that were inspected as well as their condition and any safety concerns or actions taken.
The gas safety certificate includes information about the property in which the inspection was conducted and the name of the landlord or managing agent. The certificate must contain an address, a postcode and any identifiers that distinguish between properties. The certificate should also contain the engineer's ID number as well as name along with the signature.
Landlords must perform regular gas safety checks in their rented properties. This is to ensure that all of the gas appliances and pipes are safe to use and that there are no leaks or other risks that could pose a danger to the occupants. The engineer will mark the certificate if any appliances are unsafe. Three codes are used to indicate the level of safety of an appliance: Immediately dangerous, at risk or Not Current Standards.
Gas safety certificates are a legal requirement for landlords when selling a property. Buyers who are considering buying the property may 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 can do it themselves using our user-friendly platform. We suggest arranging a Gas Safety Check at least once every 12 months, to ensure that all the appliances are in good order and are not posing any safety risks to residents.
It is not the responsibility of tenants to obtain the gas safety certification or have their appliances checked. It is the landlord's responsibility to conduct 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 get to ensure the safety of their rental properties. The cost of a safety inspection for gas appliances can vary depending on your property's size, location and the number of appliances.
It is important to inform your tenants about when the inspection will be taking place so they can prepare. It is also helpful to explain why it's crucial to allow access so that the engineer can conduct the inspection. It's not unusual for some tenants to be reluctant to allow access as they may feel that it is a violation of their privacy or they may be in danger in the event that the engineer does not have access to check the boiler, fireplace or other appliances. It's worth reminding them that it's a legal requirement that could also lead to being fined or even criminal charges if they fail to allow access and a problem with one of your appliances is discovered, like carbon monoxide poisoning.
Once the gas engineer has finished carrying out the inspection after which they will send you a copy of your gas safety certificate. It will include the date of the inspection along with the details of the engineer's name and your property address and a complete list of all appliances or installations that were inspected. It will also note that any appliances or installations failed the tests. It will outline any work that needs to be completed.
A Gas Safe certificate will usually be a standard black and white document, and your engineer will send you an original for every appliance or installation they have been examining. The certificate should be kept for future reference and you should also provide a copy to each tenant.
Your gas engineer will send you a copy the Gas Safety Record. This record is valid for one months from the date of the inspection. You must renew your Gas Safety Certificate prior to the expiration date. You should also provide an original copy to any new tenants moving in.