A gas safety certificate and boiler service are a essential part of responsible homeownership and property management. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your property's appliances and ensure that they are in compliance with safety regulations of the government.
Landlords are legally required to organize these services and checks in the properties they rent out. Tenants may also ask for these documents to determine whether their house is secure.Legal Requirements
It isn't required for homeowners to obtain an official gas safety certificate however it is highly recommended. The inspection could help ensure that potential buyers are at ease that the property is safe and working correctly, which could increase the chance of selling. A gas safety inspection could help to identify potential issues like leaks and inefficiency. This could save you money on your energy costs over the long term.
Landlords are legally obliged to undergo a gas safety inspection every year and obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out 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 a log of all checks.
A valid CP12 must clearly state the address of the property, as well as the name and registration number of the person who performed the inspection, and a concise description of all gas appliances that were inspected. It must also display the official Gas Safe Register logo in the upper right corner and indicate the current condition of each appliance (e.g., fit to use).
Ideally, boilers should be enclosed in rooms that are isolated from the rest of the building using noncombustible construction, with a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating. This will prevent fires and explosions as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Furnace and boilers that are near automotive repair shops or public garages should be located in designated rooms.
If the boiler is found be unsafe during the inspection, the gas engineer will notify the landlord of their concerns and request permission to disconnect the gas supply. Landlords must be willing to take this action in the event they are concerned about their tenants' safety and health.
In the case of a boiler breaking down landlords should ensure that tenants are aware of the anticipated duration of repairs and any alternative arrangements. This isn't just a legal requirement but also demonstrates good communication and promotes positive landlord-tenant relationships.
In addition to making sure tenants are safe, regular boiler services can also help improve the efficiency of boilers and reduce carbon emissions. This is a crucial factor in decreasing the cost of energy and environmental impact. Inspection and maintenance will also uncover any potential issues which could cause a breakdown of the boiler, which would have a significant impact on safety and cost.
Benefits
It is your obligation as a landlord to ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. This can be done by scheduling regular gas safety and boiler inspections. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and make the property more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell the property in the future.
Landlords in the UK to carry a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for each of their installations and appliances. This is an official requirement that must be renewed annually to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. Inability to obtain a CP12 could result in significant penalties and the possibility of having the appliances removed from rental properties.
Gas safety checks require a thorough inspection of the appliances as well as their installation and operation to determine if they're functioning properly and safely. The engineer will inspect the casing and internal parts of the appliance and also the flue, pipes, and external casing for signs of damage or leaks. They will also examine the burner gas pressure and ensure there's enough ventilation, and test the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety inspection will be documented on a gas certificate which will include details of every appliance and installation that was examined, as well as whether it passed or failed the safety test. The engineer will indicate the appliance's status as Not to Current Standards (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that do not pass the inspection are noted on the certificate and need to be replaced or repaired as quickly as possible.
The benefits of a boiler servicing are similar to an inspection for gas safety, and can help you save money by identifying any problems before they become serious. Boiler servicing also helps to improve the efficiency of the heating system, which could lead to lower energy bills and a reduction in carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of the heating system, and also reduce the expense of future repairs.
Costs
To be eligible for a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) it is crucial for landlords to ensure all their gas appliances are safe and in good condition. This will help prevent injuries and accidents caused by equipment that isn't maintained properly. A CP12 certificate is not just legally required but also adds value to the property by giving prospective tenants peace of mind that they are renting a safe home.
A CP12 document is a legal document that contains the results of an extensive Gas Safe inspection. The CP12 will examine all appliances in a property and check for gas leaks, ensuring there is sufficient ventilation, verifying failsafes are working properly and much more. The cost of a CP12 can vary depending on the size of the property and the number of appliances in it, and the location. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.
Boiler service costs can also vary and depend on the number of appliances that need 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 insurance plans include an annual boiler service as part of the package, helping to cut down on these costs.
The engineer will test the appliance once it has been repaired or replaced to make sure it is safe for use. Any appliance that is considered to be 'immediately hazardous' will need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further accidents and injury.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able provide you with an official CP12 certificate for all gas appliances in your home, including the boiler. They can also provide the full boiler repair and service and keep your heating system in good condition. It is important to know that if your boiler warranty isn't valid, it may be because you don't have an annual boiler maintenance. Therefore, it is crucial to locate a reputable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry the essential services.
Getting Started
Both landlords and homeowners are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In simple terms, a gas safety certificate is an official document that declares your appliances are safe for use, and a boiler service is a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
The process for obtaining both is relatively easy, and it is done by contacting an Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him entry into your property. This is a good indication that he is qualified and has credentials.
Once the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety check, they will provide you with a gas safety certificate. The certificate will contain details about the appliances that were tested as well as the date of the inspection, and the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords must also keep a copy of the certificate in case they require proof that their heating system is up to standard when selling or renting their home.
When you have a boiler service the engineer will check the flow and pressure of gas throughout your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is stable and that there are no leaks or issues with your appliances. They will also inspect your vents and flues to ensure that they're operating correctly. In addition, the gas safe engineer will clean the boiler's internal components which will help improve efficiency and minimise the chance of costly repairs in the future.
The engineer will inform you if they find any problems that could pose danger and will ask you to take action. If the issue is a serious concern, they might advise that you do not use your appliances until they have been fixed.
The scheduling of a boiler service and a gas safety certificate every year is essential for keeping your home warm and safe. It's illegal to rent your home out without having a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlady. With BOXT's Home Cover packages, you can book a gas safety certification and a boiler maintenance service at the same time.
