Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service is a essential element of responsible homeownership and property management. Both require a skilled, Gas Safe registered engineer inspecting your property's gas appliances to ensure compliance with governmental safety regulations.
Landlords are legally required to organize these checks and services for the properties they lease out. Tenants can also seek these documents to determine if their home is safe.
Legal Requirements
It is not mandatory for homeowners to obtain the gas safety certification however it is highly recommended. The inspection can help to ensure that potential buyers are at ease that the property is safe and operating well, which can increase the chance of a sale. A gas safety check also aids in identifying any issues that might require addressing, such as leaks or malfunctions and this can save money on energy bills in the long run.
Landlords must receive a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo an inspection for gas safety each year before renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and in compliance with the applicable regulations. Landlords are also required to keep track of all checks carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly mention the address, name, and registration number of an engineer who performed the inspection. It should include a description of all gas appliances that were examined. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner. The current status of the appliance (e.g. safe for use) must also be mentioned.
Idealy, boilers are enclosed in rooms that are separate from the rest of the building by non-combustible material and a minimum of a two-hour fire resistance rating. This will prevent explosions and fires aswell as carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and heaters in garages or auto repair shops should be placed in a separate space.
If the boiler is found to be unsafe during the inspection, the gas engineer will notify the landlord of their concerns and request permission to disconnect the gas supply. The landlord must be prepared to take this action in the event they are concerned about their tenants' health and safety.
In the case of a breakdown to a boiler, landlords should inform tenants of the expected duration of repairs, as well as any other arrangements. This is not just an obligation under the law, but also helps in establishing good communication and positive landlord-tenant relations.
In addition to protecting tenants, regular boiler services can aid in improving boiler efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This is an important factor in reducing energy costs and environmental impact. The maintenance and inspection process will also reveal any potential issues that could result in an unplanned boiler breakdown, which would significantly impact the safety of the building and also cost.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure the safety of gas appliances in your rental property. The best method to do this is by arranging regular gas safety checks and boiler service. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and make your property attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell the property in the near future.
Landlords in the UK are required to have an Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for each of their gas appliances and installations. This is a requirement that must be met each year to ensure the security of the appliances for tenants. In the absence of a CP12 could result in significant fines and even having the appliances removed from your rental properties.
Gas safety checks involve an extensive inspection of appliances, their installation and their operation to determine if they're operating safely and correctly. The engineer will examine the casing and internal components of the appliance as well as the pipes, flue, and the external casing for signs of damage or leaks. They will also test for gas pressure in the burner and make sure that there is adequate ventilation.
The results of a gas safety inspection are recorded on a certification. The certificate will contain details about each appliance and installation that was tested, and whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will also note whether the appliance is not to Current Standards (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that do not pass the test are listed on the certificate and need to be repaired or replaced as soon as is feasible.
A boiler service is similar to a gas safety inspection in that it can help you save money by identifying any issues before they become serious. Boiler maintenance can improve the efficiency of the heating system, which can result in lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. In addition, annual maintenance helps to prolong the life of the boiler and cut down repair costs in the future.
Costs
To receive a Gas Safety Certificate, it is important that landlords ensure all their gas appliances are in good in good condition and safe. This will help avoid accidents and injuries that are 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 prospective tenants the assurance that they are renting a safe house.
A CP12 is a formal document that outlines the results of an extensive inspection by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will inspect all appliances in a property, checking for gas tightness and ensuring that there is adequate ventilation, ensuring that the safety devices are in good working order and much more. The cost of a CP12 varies depending on the size and quantity of appliances in the property. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.
The cost of boiler service can differ and depend on how many appliances need to be inspected. As a rough guide the typical boiler service typically costs between PS60 and PS120 and will include an inspection, cleaning, and minor replacement of parts. Landlord boiler protection plans often include annual boiler maintenance service as part of their plan. This can help reduce the cost.
The engineer will examine the appliance after it has been repaired or replaced to make sure it is safe to use. Any appliance deemed to be 'immediately hazardous is required to be repaired as soon as is possible to avoid accidents and injury.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be in a position to issue an authentic CP12 for all the gas appliances in your property, including the boiler. Additionally, landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service can conduct a full boiler service and repairs, ensuring that your heating system in good shape. It is important to note that if you do not have a boiler service done annually, your boiler warranty may be invalidated. Therefore, it is crucial to find a reliable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry the essential services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In short the term "gas safety certificate" is an official document that declares your appliances are safe to use, while the boiler service is an inspection and maintenance of your heating system.
Contacting a Gas Safe registered technician is a simple way to get both. Request to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him to enter your property. This is a good evidence that he is qualified and has the right qualifications and credentials.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you a certificate of safety in gas once they have completed their safety inspection. This will include details of all the appliances that have been checked and the date on which the inspection was carried out and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords are also required to keep a copy of the report on the file in case they need to prove their heating system is up to standards when selling or renting their property.
In the course of a boiler maintenance engineer will examine the pressure and flow rate of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is constant and that your appliances are operating properly. They will also inspect your vents and flues to make sure they are operating correctly. Additionally the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal parts which will help increase efficiency and decrease the possibility of costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer discovers issues that could pose a risk the engineer will inform you and ask that you resolve the problem. If the issue is a serious concern, they may recommend that you don't use your appliances until they have been repaired.
Both a gas safety certificate and boiler service are important to keep your home warm and secure, so it's essential to schedule both every year. If you're a landlord, keep in mind that it's against law to rent out your home without having a Gas Safety Certificate. To make the process easier, you can book both gas safety certificates as well as a boiler service with BOXT's Home Cover plans.