If you’re a landlord, you can rent out your property unless you have a valid gas safety certificate. Your gas safety certificate proves that your gas appliances have been checked by a qualified engineer during the previous year. If these appliances have not been checked in the past twelve months, you could be putting your tenants at risk. These appliances can include flues, fittings and anything else related to gas.
More about gas certificates
The certificate is also known as the CP12 or CORGI Proforma. The Gas Safety Register is an official list of all UK gas engineers who are permitted to work on gas appliances. Having your appliances can benefit you not only because it makes you compliant but because it can prolong the lives of your appliances. The checks can also keep landlord-tenant disputes and friction to a minimum. Once you have made an agreement with a company like Ability to carry out your annual servicing, your tenants will have someone to get in touch with if they do face a gas-related emergency.
When do I need to obtain a new certificate?
Once your previous certificate expires, you’ll need to give your tenants a new certificate within 28 days. If a new tenancy is starting and your previous tenants have been replaced, you’ll need to issue a brand new certificate within 28 days of the tenancy beginning.
How long should I retain my old certificates?
You should keep hold of all your old certificates for a minimum of two years. This enables you to show a history of compliance. Landlords that don’t have valid certificates can be fined. You may also find it harder to evict tenants if you can’t produce a valid certificate.
Do I need to check my tenant’s appliances?
Tenants are responsible for their own appliances, but it’s best to be on the safe side and have everything checked anyway. The inspection itself will see every appliance that relies on gas being checked over. These can include boilers, gas fires and your gas supply. The engineer will also look at your gas pressure, flue flow and ventilation.
How much do certificates cost?
Prices are not set by the Gas Safety Regulator, which means costs can vary depending on which company you use. It’s rarely wise to simply opt for the cheapest company that you can find. Choose a business with an excellent reputation and vast industry experience. You will also need to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted if you’re using solid fuel in any part of your property. Gas Safety checks are frequently booked by landlords, estate agents, letting agents, offices, industrial units and more. You may also need to get a certificate if you’re in the process of selling your property or have been instructed to as part of your insurance agreement.
How Ability can help
At Ability, we are ready to hear from you if you need a new landlord’s gas safety certificate. We will check the gas supply throughout your property. Get in touch today by giving us a call on 01892 514495 or by sending a message to info@ability.uk.com. Alternatively, contact us via the website.
