Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service is a essential element of responsible homeownership as well as property management. Both require an Gas Safe registered engineer to examine your home's appliances and ensure that they are in compliance with safety regulations of the government.
Landlords are legally required to provide these services and inspections in the properties they rent. Tenants may also request these documents to see whether their home is secure.
Legal Requirements
There are currently no legal requirements for homeowners to have a gas safety certificate, although it is strongly recommended. The inspection can help to put prospective buyers' minds at ease that the house is safe and operating correctly, which could increase the chances of selling. A gas safety inspection also helps to identify any issues that may require addressed, like leaks or malfunctions and this could save money on energy bills in the long run.
Landlords are legally obliged to undergo a gas safety test every year and obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and comply with the applicable regulations. Landlords are also required to keep a record of all checks.
A valid CP12 must clearly mention the address as well as the name, address, and registration number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It must include a description of each of gas appliances that were inspected. It must also display the official Gas Safe Register logo in the upper right corner and mention the current status of each appliance (e.g., fit to use).
Ideally, boilers are housed in rooms that are separate from the other parts of the building using noncombustible materials and a minimum two-hour fire resistance rating. This is to safeguard against explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces that are located near automotive repair shops or public garages need to be located in designated rooms.
If a boiler is found to be unsafe during the inspection the gas engineer will notify the landlord of the issue and request permission to disconnect the gas supply. If they care about their tenants' safety and health landlords should be able to take this action.
In the case of a boiler breaking down landlords must ensure that tenants are informed about the anticipated timeframe for repairs and any other arrangements. This isn't just a legal requirement, but demonstrates good communications and fosters positive landlord-tenant relations.
In addition to protecting tenants regular boiler maintenance can also help improve the efficiency of boilers and decrease carbon emissions. This is a key aspect in reducing energy usage and impact on the environment. The maintenance and inspection process can also uncover any issues that could lead to the failure of a boiler which could significantly impact safety and cost.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. The best method to do this is to schedule regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and make the property appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell the property in the future.
Landlords are required in the UK to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for each of their installations and appliances. This is a requirement that must be followed annually to ensure the safety of the appliances used by tenants. Failure to have a CP12 could result in substantial penalties and the possibility of having the appliances removed from rental properties.
A gas safety inspection involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their installations to determine if they're operating safely and in a safe manner. The engineer will examine the casing and internal parts of the appliance, as well as the flue, pipes and external casing for signs of damage or leaks. They will also test the burner gas pressure, make sure there's adequate ventilation and verify the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety inspection will be documented on a gas certification, which will contain the details of every appliance and installation that was tested, as well as whether it passed or failed the safety test. The engineer will also indicate whether the appliance is up to current standards (NCS) or if it is immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail the inspection will be noted as such on the certificate and will need to be repaired or replaced in the shortest time possible.
A boiler service is similar to a gas safety inspection in that it can help you save money by identifying issues before they become serious. Boiler service can also improve the efficiency of your heating system. This can lead to reduced energy bills and carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in prolonging the lifespan of the heating system, and also reduce future repair costs.
Costs
To be eligible for an Gas Safety Certificate, it is essential that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good in good condition and safe. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 is not just legally required, but it also helps to improve the value of homes as potential tenants will be assured the home is secure.
A CP12 is a formal document that outlines the results of an extensive examination by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will check all the appliances in the property, checking for gas tightness and ensuring there is adequate ventilation, verifying the safety devices are in good working order and more. The cost of a CP12 will vary based on the size and number of appliances that are in the house. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.
Boiler service costs may vary and depend on how many appliances need to be inspected. As a guideline an annual boiler service can cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning, and minor repairs. Many Landlord boiler cover plans include an annual boiler maintenance as part of the package, which helps to lower these costs.
If you need to replace or repair an appliance then the engineer will test it once the work is completed to ensure it is safe to use. Any appliance deemed to be 'immediately dangerous is required to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further accidents and injury.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be capable of providing you with an authentic CP12 for all the gas appliances in your property, including the boiler. Additionally, they can perform a full boiler maintenance and repairs, keeping your heating system in tip-top shape. It is worth noting that if you don't have a boiler service done every year, your warranty on your boiler may be invalidated. Therefore, it is essential to locate a reputable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry these vital services.
Getting Started
Both landlords and homeowners are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In simple terms the term "gas safety certificate" is legal document that proves that your appliances are safe to use, whereas boiler services are a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
Contacting a Gas Safe registered technician is a simple way to get both. Always ask to look up the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing them access to your property it is a reliable indicator that they have the right qualifications and accreditations.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you a certificate of gas safety after they have completed their safety inspection. This will include the details of all the appliances that were inspected, along with the date the inspection was conducted and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords are also required to keep a copy in a file in the event that they need to prove their heating system is up to standards when renting or selling their property.
During a boiler service, the engineer will test the pressure and flow of gas throughout your home. This will ensure the gas supply is consistent and that your appliances are functioning correctly. They will also inspect your ventilation and flues to make sure they're working correctly. The gas safe engineer can also clean the internal components of your boiler, which will improve its efficiency and decrease the chance of having to make costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer detects issues that could pose a risk the engineer will inform you and ask you to take action to fix the issue. If the issue is a serious concern, they might suggest that you not use your appliances until they have been fixed.
Booking both a boiler service and gas safety certification annually is essential for keeping your home safe and warm. If you're a landlord remember that it's against the law to rent out your property without the Gas Safety Certificate. To make the process easier you can arrange for both gas safety certificates as well as a boiler service with BOXT's Home Cover plans.