What is a Gas Safety Certificate and Who Needs One?
A gas safety certificate is a document that lists all the inspections and tests an engineer conducts on your gas appliances. These inspections reduce the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning at your home.
The law obliges landlords to conduct these inspections annually. Gas Safe registered engineers must also conduct inspections.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate is an official document that proves that all appliances and installations in your property have been checked by a certified engineer to make sure they are safe to use. Gas appliances and flues should be inspected by a certified engineer every year. This is a legal requirement to stop carbon monoxide poisoning and other serious accidents. Landlords who don't comply with these rules could face fines or even prosecution.
Before issuing the document a gas engineer will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the condition of the 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 noted on the certificate, along with the date that the test was carried out.
There are two types of gas safety certificates for domestic and non-domestic. The first is intended for homes, flats and studios while the latter refers to commercial properties such as warehouses or office buildings. Both certificates need to be renewed each year. The engineer will issue a copy of each appliance they have inspected.
Who should undergo gas safety checks? The answer is anyone who rents out a property that has any gas appliance or installation. This includes private homeowners housing associations, housing associations and local authorities, hotels and hospitality venues, as well as schools. Landlords are particularly required to have their properties examined and issue their tenants with the most current Gas Safety Record, as they are legally responsible to ensure that their tenants stay safe in the homes they rent or own.
If you own a property that is managed by a managing agent, it is important to ensure that they are the ones who arrange the annual gas safety inspection and service. A managing agent will not relieve you of the legal requirement to have the property tested and to provide your tenants with the Gas Safety Record.
It's not a requirement for homeowners to keep their gas safety records. However, they are helpful when selling a property. Potential buyers would like to see proof that the appliances are maintained and are safe. Furthermore, the TA6 form that's part of the conveyancing process will ask for a gas safety record which is why it's a good idea to have one prior to selling.
Who is in need of an Gas Safety Certificate?
Essentially everyone who owns a domestic or commercial property that has gas appliances and pipework will need to have them examined by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer. This will include landlords and building owners, as well as even some tenants who may live in a building that is managed by an agent who manages the property.
Landlords are bound by a variety of legal obligations, and one of them is to ensure that all flues, appliances, and fittings are examined and deemed safe by a Gas Safe engineer every 12 months. Gas Safety Certificates or CP12 are an essential element of any rental property. It is not legal for a landlord to rent out any property without this certificate.
For homeowners, although they don't have the same legal obligations as landlords, it's still a good idea get a gas Safety Check done once a year. This will ensure that their boiler is in good condition and will highlight any issues that need to be fixed.
The front of the gas safety certificate is likely to include the name and registration numbers of the engineer who performed the inspection, as well as any other identifiers that are relevant. The certificate will also list the appliances that were inspected and will indicate whether they were successful or not. If appliances are deemed unsafe, they are identified as not Compliant(NCS) or Immediately Hazardous (ID) and At Risk (AR).
This document will be presented to homeowners at the end of the service. It should be saved securely for future reference. This document is ideal for homeowners when they are selling their home. It can reassure buyers that the property is gas-safe.
What is included in a Gas Safety Certificate
A gas safety certificate will include a full list of all gas appliances and infrastructure an engineer has examined. The certificate also includes details on the engineer such as their name and Gas Safe Register number. The document usually begins with a header displaying the date and place of the inspection. The document will then list the appliances that were inspected as well as their condition and any safety issues or actions taken.
The gas safety certificate includes details of the property where the inspection was conducted in addition to the name of the landlord or managing agent. The certificate must include an address, postcode and any identifiers that differentiate different properties. The certificate must also contain the engineer's ID number and name and signature.
Landlords are legally obliged to schedule regular gas safety checks in their let properties. It is essential to ensure that the gas appliances and pipes are safe to use and that there aren't any leaks or other dangers that could pose a risk to the occupants. The engineer will sign the certificate if an appliance is unsafe. There are three codes that signify the safety rating of an appliance: Immediately Dangerous (ID) At Risk (AR) or Not to Current Standards (NCS).
It is essential for landlords to keep their gas safety certificates current and up to date, as they may be legally required when selling the property. As part of their due diligence, potential buyers can request the certificates and use them to identify any issues they need to address prior to purchasing the property.
Landlords may arrange a Gas Safety Check through a Gas Safe registered Engineer, or they may do it themselves with our user-friendly platform. We recommend arranging an Gas Safety Check at least once every 12 months, to make sure that all the appliances are in good working order and are not posing any safety risks to residents.
It is not the responsibility of tenants to arrange an annual gas safety certificate or have their appliances checked. It is the landlord's responsibility, who is required to arrange an annual inspection and issue a gas safety certificate to their tenants.
How Much is a Gas Safety Certificate Cost?
Gas safety certificates are a legal requirement that landlords must obtain to ensure the security of their rental properties. The cost of a safety inspection for gas appliances is different according to the size of your property as well as the location and number of appliances.
It is important to inform your tenants and inform them when the inspection is scheduled to take place so that they can be prepared for it. It can also help to explain why it's important for them to allow access so that the engineer can carry out the check. landlord gas safety certificates are reluctant to give access due to the belief that it's an invasion of privacy or they might be at risk in the event that they refuse to allow the engineer to inspect the fireplace, boiler or other appliances. It's worth reminding them that it's a legal requirement and could also lead to the tenant facing fines or criminal charges if they do not permit access if an issue with one of your appliances is discovered, for instance, carbon monoxide poisoning.
The gas engineer will send you the certificate after the inspection is completed. This will include the date of the service along with the details of the engineer's name and your address for your home as well as a complete list of all the appliances or installations that were inspected. It will also note whether any of the appliances or installations failed the tests. It will detail the work that must be done.
Gas Safe certificates are usually in yellow and black, and your engineer will give you a copy for each appliance or installation they have been examining. This documentation should be kept for future reference. You will also need to give copies to each of your tenants.
Your gas engineer will send you a copy the Gas Safety Record. This record is valid for one month from the date of inspection. You must renew your Gas Safety Certificate prior to the expiration date. It is also recommended to give a copy of it to any new tenants who move into the property.