Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler services are essential for responsible homeownership and property management. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to check the condition of your property's appliances and to ensure they comply with safety regulations of the government.
Landlords are legally required to organize these services and checks in the properties they rent out. Tenants may request these documents as well to verify if their property has been examined.
Legal Requirements
There are no current legal requirements for homeowners to have a gas safety certificate, although it is strongly recommended. The inspection could put potential buyers at ease, as it will ensure that the property is safe and operating properly. This may increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety inspection also helps to identify any potential problems that need addressed, like leaks or malfunctions, and this could save money on energy bills in the long term.
Landlords must receive a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo an annual gas safety inspection each year prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and in line with applicable regulations. Landlords are also required to keep records of all checks.
A valid CP12 should clearly state the address, name, and registration number of an engineer who conducted the inspection. It must contain a description of all gas appliances that were examined. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner and the current status of the appliance (e.g. fit for use) must also be mentioned.
Ideally, boilers are housed in rooms that are separate from the rest of the building by noncombustible materials and a minimum two-hour fire resistance rating. This is to guard against fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Heating and boilers in garages or auto repair shops should be placed in a separate room.
Gas engineers will inform the landlord that a boiler is unsafe and request permission to shut off the gas supply. The landlord must be prepared to take this step if they are concerned for their tenants' safety and health.
In the event of a breakdown of a boiler, landlords should ensure that tenants are aware of the expected duration of repairs as well as any other options. This isn't just a legal requirement, but demonstrates good communications and fosters positive landlord/tenant relationships.
Regular maintenance of boilers can increase efficiency of the boiler and decrease carbon emissions. This is an important aspect in reducing energy usage and the impact on the environment. The inspection and maintenance work can also reveal any issues that could lead to a boiler failure, which would significantly impact safety and cost.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. The best method to do this is by arranging regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure your tenants' safety and also make the property more appealing to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords in the UK to carry a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all their installations and appliances. It is a legal requirement that is renewed every year to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. In the absence of a CP12 could result in substantial penalties and the possibility of having the appliances taken away from your rental property.
A gas safety test is a thorough inspection of the appliances and their installations to determine if they're operating correctly and safely. The engineer will examine the external casing and internal components, as well as the flue and pipes for any indications of leaks or damage. They will also test the gas pressure of the burner and ensure there's enough ventilation, and test the safety devices.
The results of a gas safety inspection are recorded on a certificate. The certificate will contain details about the appliance and the installation that was tested, and whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will indicate if the appliance is not in compliance with current standards (NCS) immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail the test are listed on the certificate and need to be replaced or repaired in the shortest time feasible.
A boiler service is similar to an inspection for gas safety in that it can help you save money by identifying issues before they become serious. Boiler maintenance can improve the efficiency of the heating system, which can result in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in prolonging the lifespan of the heating system and reduce the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To be eligible for an Gas Safety Certificate, it is important that landlords ensure all their gas appliances are in good working order and safe. This will prevent accidents and injuries that are caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 certificate is not only legally required but also adds value to the property as it gives prospective tenants the assurance that they have rented a safe and secure home.
A CP12 is an official document that outlines the results of an extensive inspection by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will inspect all appliances in the property and check for gas leaks and ensuring there is adequate ventilation, verifying the failsafes are functioning properly and more. The cost of a CP12 varies depending on the size and quantity of appliances present in the home. In general, the cost will be higher in larger towns or cities.
The cost of boiler service will vary based on the amount of appliances that have to be inspected. As a general rule, a boiler service will cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning and minor replacement of parts. Many Landlord boiler cover plans include an annual boiler maintenance as part of the package, helping to reduce these costs.
If you need to replace or repair an appliance then the engineer will test it once the work is done to make sure it's safe to use. Any appliance deemed to be 'immediately dangerous must be fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further accidents and injury.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able to issue you with an authentic CP12 certificate for all gas appliances within your home, including the boiler. In addition, they can provide a complete boiler service and repairs, keeping your heating system in good condition. It is important to remember that if you do not perform a boiler maintenance annually, your boiler warranty may be invalidated. Therefore, it is essential to locate a reputable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry the essential services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate procedure. In essence the term "gas safety certificate" is legal document that proves your appliances are safe for use, and boiler services are a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
Contacting a Gas Safe registered technician is an easy way to obtain both. Always ask to see how much gas safety certificate before allowing them access to your property it is a good indication that they hold the appropriate qualifications and certifications.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you the certificate of gas safety once they have completed their safety inspection. The certificate will contain details about all appliances that were tested and the date of the inspection and the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords should also keep a copy of the report on file in the event that they require proof that their heating system is in compliance with standards when renting or selling their property.
During a boiler maintenance, the engineer will check the pressure and flow rate of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is consistent and that your appliances are working properly. They will also examine your vents and flues to make sure they are functioning correctly. The gas safe engineer will also clean the internal components of your boiler, which will improve its efficiency and reduce the likelihood of having to make costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer discovers problems that could be dangerous the engineer will inform you and ask you to resolve the issue. If the issue is serious concern, they might recommend that you don't use your appliances until they have been fixed.
A boiler service and a gas safety certification annually is essential for keeping your home safe and warm. It is illegal to rent your home out without a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlady. To make the process easier, you can book both gas safety certificates and boiler service through BOXT's Home Cover packages.