Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler service are essential for responsible property management and homeownership. Both require a skilled, Gas Safe registered engineer reviewing your home's gas appliances to ensure compliance with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords are legally required to provide these services and check-ups on the properties they rent. Tenants may request these documents as well to determine if their house has been inspected.
Legal Requirements
It isn't required for homeowners to get the gas safety certification however it is recommended. The inspection could put potential buyers at ease, as it will ensure that the house is safe and operating properly. This could increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety check also can help identify any issues that might require addressed, like leaks or malfunctions, and can save you money on energy costs in the long run.
Landlords are required to obtain a Gas safety certificate cp12 (www.mkgassafety.co.uk) (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 comply with the relevant regulations. Landlords are also required to keep records on all checks.
A valid CP12 must clearly identify the address of the property, along with the name and registration number of the person who performed the inspection, as well as a concise description of all gas appliances inspected. It must also feature the official Gas Safe Register logo in the top right corner, and include the current status of each appliance (e.g., fit to use).
Ideally, boilers are housed in rooms that are separate from the rest of the building with non-combustible material and a minimum of a two-hour fire resistance rating. This will help prevent explosions and fires aswell as carbon monoxide poisoning. Furnace and boilers that are close to automotive repair shops or public garages must be in dedicated rooms.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord that a boiler is unsafe and request permission to shut off the gas supply. If they are concerned about their tenants' safety and health landlords should be prepared to take such action.
In the event of a boiler failure landlords must ensure that their tenants are aware of the anticipated duration of repairs and any other alternatives. This isn't just a legal requirement, but it also demonstrates good communication and builds positive landlord-tenant relationships.
In addition to ensuring the safety of tenants regular boiler maintenance can aid in improving boiler efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This is a crucial factor in cutting down on energy costs and environmental impact. The inspection and maintenance will also identify any issues that could cause a malfunction of the boiler, which would have a major impact on safety and cost.
Benefits
If you're a landlord then it is your responsibility to make sure that the gas appliances in your rental properties are safe to use. The best way 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 in the UK are required to possess the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for each of their gas appliances and installations. This is an official requirement that must be renewed each year to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. If you don't have a CP12 and you are not a CP12, you could face massive fines or risk having your appliances removed from the rental property.
A gas safety inspection is a thorough inspection of the appliances and their installation to determine if they're operating properly and safely. The engineer will look at the casing and internal parts of the appliance and also the pipes, flue, and external casing to find signs of damage or leaks. They will also test the gas pressure of the burner, make sure there's adequate ventilation, and test the safety devices.
The results of a gas safety inspection are documented on a certificate. It will contain information about each appliance and installation tested, as well as whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will also note if the appliance is considered not to Current Standards (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that fail to pass the inspection will be noted as such on the certificate, and will need to be replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
The benefits of a boiler service are similar to an inspection for gas safety, and can save you money by identifying any issues before they become serious. The maintenance of your boiler can also help increase the efficiency of the heating system, which could result in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can also aid in extending the lifespan of the heating system and decrease future repair costs.
Costs
To be eligible for the Gas Safety Certificate, it is important that landlords ensure all their gas appliances are in good order and safe. This will prevent injuries and accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 certificate is not only legally required, but also adds value to the property by giving prospective tenants the assurance that they are renting a safe home.
A CP12 is a formal document that outlines the findings of a thorough inspection conducted by a certified Gas Safe engineer. The CP12 will examine the appliances within a property. It will also make sure that there is sufficient ventilation and confirm that failsafes function correctly. The cost of a CP12 will vary based on the size of the property and the number of appliances in it, and where it is located. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.
Boiler service costs can also vary and depend on the number of appliances that need to be checked. However, as a general guideline an average boiler service typically costs between PS60 to PS120 and will include an inspection, cleaning, and minor part replacement. Many Landlord boiler cover plans include an annual boiler service as part of the plan, helping to cut down on these costs.
The engineer will examine the appliance after it has been repaired or replaced to ensure it is safe to use. To prevent further accidents or injuries, any appliance that is deemed 'immediately hazardous' must be repaired as soon as is possible.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to provide you with a valid CP12 for all your gas appliances in your property, including the boiler. They can also provide an entire boiler repair and service to keep your heating system in good condition. It is worth noting that if you don't perform a boiler maintenance every year, your boiler warranty could be void. Therefore, it is essential to find a reliable 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 short, a gas safety certificate is an official document that declares your appliances are safe for use, and the boiler service is an inspection and maintenance for your heating system.
Contacting an Gas Safe registered technician is a simple way to get both. Ask to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him entry into your property. This is a good indication that he has the proper qualifications and accreditations.
Once the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety check, they will provide you with a gas safety certification. This will include the details of all appliances that have been checked and the date the inspection was completed and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords must also keep a copy of the certificate on file in the event that they ever require proof that their heating system is in good working order when they are selling or renting their home.
When a boiler is being maintained engineer will examine the flow rate and pressure of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is always on and that your appliances are working properly. They will also examine your vents and flues to ensure that they're operating properly. 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.
The engineer will let you know when they discover any issues that could pose danger and will ask you to take action. If the issue is severe they might suggest that you not use your appliances before they are fixed.
Booking both a boiler service as well as a gas safety certificate every year is vital to keep your home safe and warm. If you're a landlord, be aware that it's against the law to let out your property without the Gas Safety Certificate. With BOXT's Home Cover packages, you can book an gas safety certificate and an annual boiler maintenance at the same time.