Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service are critical element of responsible homeownership and property management. Both require the services of a Gas Safe registered engineer to examine your home's appliances and to ensure they comply with safety regulations of the government.
Landlords are legally obliged to conduct these checks and services for the properties they rent out. Tenants can also request these documents to see whether their home is secure.
Legal Requirements
There are currently no legal requirements for homeowners to possess 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 likelihood of a sale. A gas safety check also aids in identifying any issues that may require addressed, like leaks or malfunctions and can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Landlords are required to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo a gas safety inspection every year prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and conform with the relevant regulations. landlord gas safety certificates must also keep a record of any checks carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly state the address of the property, the name and registration number of the engineer who carried out the inspection, as well as a clear description of all gas appliances that were inspected. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the upper-right corner, and the current status of the appliance (e.g. safe for use) must also be stated.
Ideally, boilers are housed in rooms that are separate from the other parts of the building using non-combustible material and a minimum two-hour flame resistance rating. This will protect against explosions and fires as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces that are located close to automotive repair shops or public garages should be kept in separate rooms.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord that a boiler is unsafe and request permission to shut off gas supply. Landlords should be willing to take this action when they are concerned about their tenants' safety and health.
In the event of a boiler failure landlords must ensure that their tenants are aware about the anticipated timeframe for repairs and any alternative arrangements. This isn't just an obligation under the law, but also promotes good communication and positive landlord/tenant relationships.
In addition to protecting tenants regular boiler maintenance can also help improve the efficiency of boilers and reduce carbon emissions. This is an important factor in decreasing energy costs and environmental impact. The maintenance and inspection process can also reveal 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 to ensure the safety of gas appliances in your rental property. This can be done by scheduling regular gas and boiler safety inspections. This will ensure your tenants' safety and also make the property more appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords in the UK must have the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for each of their gas appliances and installations. This is a legal requirement that is renewed every year to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. In the absence of a CP12 can result in hefty penalties and the possibility of having the appliances taken away from your rental property.
A gas safety test involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their installation to determine if they're functioning properly and safely. The engineer will look at the casing and internal parts of the appliance as well as the flue, pipes, and external casing to find indications of leaks or damage. They will also examine the burner gas pressure and ensure there's enough ventilation and check the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety test will be documented on a gas certification, 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 also indicate if the appliance is not in compliance with current standards (NCS) or if it is immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that do not pass the inspection are noted on the certificate and should be replaced or repaired as soon as is possible.
A boiler service is similar to the gas safety inspection in that it can help you save money by identifying any issues before they become more serious. A boiler service can also boost the efficiency of your heating system. This can result in reduced energy bills and carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in extending the lifespan of the heating system, and also reduce the expense of future repairs.
Costs
To receive an Gas Safety Certificate, it is crucial that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good order and safe. This will help avoid injuries and accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 certificate is not only required under law, but can also enhance the value of the property as it gives potential tenants peace of mind that they are renting a safe home.
A CP12 is a formal document that details the results of an extensive examination by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. The CP12 will examine all appliances in a home by examining gas tightness and ensuring there is adequate ventilation, verifying the failsafes are functioning properly and much more. The cost of a CP12 is dependent on the size and quantity of appliances present in the home. Prices are higher in big cities and towns.
Boiler service costs can also vary and depend on the number of appliances to be inspected. As a rough guideline an annual boiler service can cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning, and minor parts replacement. A lot of Landlord boiler cover plans include an annual boiler maintenance as part of the package, which helps to reduce these costs.
The engineer will examine the appliance after it has been repaired or replaced to confirm that it is safe for use. Any appliance that is deemed to be 'immediately risky is required to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further injuries and accidents.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able to provide you with a valid CP12 certificate for all gas appliances in your home, including the boiler. They can also perform an entire boiler repair and service to keep your heating system in good condition. It is important to know that if your boiler's warranty isn't valid, it may be due to the fact that you don't have an annual service for your boiler. It is therefore important to locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe for these vital services.
Getting Started
Both landlords and homeowners are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. A gas safety certificate is a legal document that confirms your appliances are safe to use. A boiler service is a type of maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
Contacting a Gas Safe registered technician is an easy way to obtain both. Always ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing them entry to your property it is a good indication that they have the right qualifications and certifications.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you the certificate of safety in gas once they have completed their safety inspection. The certificate will include details regarding all appliances examined and the date of the inspection as well as the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords are also required to keep a copy in a file in the event that they need to prove that their heating system is in compliance with standards when renting or selling their property.
When a boiler is being maintained, the engineer will check the pressure and flow rate of gas in your home. This will ensure the gas supply is constant and that your appliances are functioning properly. They will also examine your flue and ventilation to make sure they are operating correctly. The gas safe engineer can also clean the internal components of your boiler, which will increase the efficiency and decrease the chance of future expensive repairs.
The engineer will let you know if they find any problems that could pose a risk and ask you to take actions. If the issue is serious, they may recommend that you stop using your appliances until they are repaired.
Booking both a boiler service and a gas safety certificate every year is essential for keeping your home safe and warm. If you're a landlord, be aware that it's against the law to let out your home without having a Gas Safety Certificate. With BOXT's Home Cover packages, you can get a gas safety certification and an annual boiler maintenance at the same time.