Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler services are vital for responsible property management and homeownership. Both require an Gas Safe registered engineer to check the condition of your property's appliances and to ensure they comply with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords are legally required to provide these services and checks in the properties they rent. Tenants can request these documents as well to check if their home has been examined.
Legal Requirements
There are no legal requirements for homeowners to obtain an official gas safety certificate however it is highly recommended. The inspection will help put prospective buyers' minds at ease knowing that the home is safe and functioning well, which can increase the chances of selling. A gas safety inspection can also identify potential problems like leaks and inefficiency. This can save you money on energy bills over the long-term.
Landlords are legally required to undergo a gas safety inspection every year and obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) before renting out properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and comply with the relevant regulations. Landlords also need to keep track of all checks that are carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly identify the address of the property, the name and registration number of the engineer who conducted the inspection, as well as a concise description of all gas appliances that were inspected. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner and the current state of the appliance (e.g. suitable to use) must be clearly stated.
Ideally boilers should be located in rooms that are isolated from other areas of the building by noncombustible construction that has a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating. This will help prevent explosions and fires aswell as carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and heaters near garages or auto repair shops should be placed in a separate area.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord that a boiler is unsafe and request permission to shut off the gas supply. Landlords must be willing to take this action if they are concerned for their tenants' safety and health.
In the event of a breakdown of a boiler, landlords should make sure their tenants know the expected duration of repairs and any alternative arrangements. This is not just an obligation under the law, but also helps in establishing good communication and positive landlord-tenant relationships.
Regular boiler service can improve boiler efficiency, and reduce carbon emission. This is a crucial factor in reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact. The inspection and maintenance will also identify any potential issues which could cause a breakdown of the boiler, which could be a significant issue for the safety and cost.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord 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 your tenants' safety and make the property more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell the property in the future.
Landlords are required in UK to carry a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for each of their installations and appliances. This is an obligation that must be met annually to ensure the safety of the appliances for tenants. In the absence of a CP12 can result in hefty fines and even having the appliances removed from rental properties.
A gas safety inspection is a thorough inspection of the appliances and their installations to determine if they're functioning correctly and safely. The engineer will inspect the casing and internal parts of the appliance as well as the pipes, flue, and the external casing for signs of damage or leaks. They will also test the burner gas pressure, make sure there's adequate ventilation and check the safety devices.
The results of a gas safety check are recorded on a certification. This will include details about the appliance and the installation tested, as well as whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will note whether the appliance is not to Current Standards (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that fail the inspection will be identified as in the certificate and will need to be replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
A boiler service is similar to the gas safety inspection in that it could save you money by identifying any issues before they become serious. A boiler service can also boost the efficiency of your heating system. This could result in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in prolonging the lifespan of the heating system and decrease the expense of future repairs.
Costs
To be eligible for the Gas Safety Certificate, it is essential that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good working in good condition and safe. This will help prevent injuries and accidents that are caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 certificate is not just legally required however it also adds value to the property by giving potential tenants peace of mind that they have rented a safe and secure home.
A CP12 is an official document that details the findings of a thorough inspection conducted by a certified Gas Safe engineer. This will inspect all appliances in a property, checking for gas tightness, ensuring there is sufficient ventilation, as well as ensuring that failsafes are working properly and much more. The cost of a CP12 can vary depending on the size of the house as well as the number of appliances, and where it is located. Prices are higher in big cities and towns.
The cost of boiler service can differ and depend on how many appliances need to be checked. As landlord safety certificate Milton Keynes Gas Safety should cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning and minor parts replacement. A lot of Landlord boiler insurance plans include an annual boiler service as part of the plan, helping to reduce these costs.
If you need to repair or replace an appliance, the engineer will test it after the work is completed to ensure it is safe to use. To prevent further injuries or accidents any appliance considered to be 'immediately dangerous' must be repaired as soon as is possible.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able provide you with a valid CP12 certificate for all gas appliances in your home, including the boiler. They can also perform the full boiler repair and maintenance and keep your heating system in good condition. It is important to know that if your boiler warranty is not valid, it could be due to the fact that you don't have an annual service for your boiler. Therefore, it is essential to find a reliable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry out these essential services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. A gas safety certificate is a formal document that certifies that your appliances are safe to use. A boiler service is maintenance and inspection on your heating system.
Contacting a Gas Safe registered technician is a simple way to get both. You should always ask to verify the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing them access to your property, as this is a great indicator that they have the right qualifications and certifications.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you an official certificate of gas safety once they have completed their safety check. The certificate will contain details about all appliances that were tested as well as 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 case they need to prove that their heating system is in compliance with standards when selling or renting their property.
When you have a boiler service the engineer will test the flow and pressure of gas throughout your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is constant and that your appliances are operating correctly. They will also inspect your vents and flues to ensure that they are working properly. The gas safe engineer can also clean the internal components of your boiler, which will improve the efficiency of your boiler and decrease the chance of having to make costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer finds any problems that could be dangerous They will notify you and ask that you resolve the issue. If the issue is serious concern, they may advise that you do not use your appliances until they are repaired.
Booking both a boiler service and a gas safety certificate every year is essential for keeping your home warm and safe. If you're a landlord, be aware that it's against the law to let out your property without having a Gas Safety Certificate. With BOXT's Home Cover packages, you can book a gas safety certification and a boiler maintenance service at the same simultaneously.