A Gas Safety Certificate is also called a Landlord’s Gas Safety Record or a CP12. In accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all rental accommodations in the UK are legally required to get a Gas Safety Certificate.
A house fire is one of the most tragic and devastating situations that can happen in an individual’s lifetime. In just one instant, all of your material possessions can be engulfed in fire and transformed into ashes. Fire causes billions of dollars worth in damages. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a home fire occurs every 87 seconds.
The Home Office Statistics recently published a study noting that 48.3% of house fires are caused by cooking appliances, whether it’s connected to gas and electricity. This is the reason why it is crucial for landlords to regularly book gas safety checks to identify any unsafe or malfunctioning gas appliances. Make it a habit to ask your landlord for a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate for your own peace of mind.
This article will attempt the most frequently asked questions regarding Gas Safety Certificates.
What Is A Gas Safety Certificate?
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 requires landlords to apply for a Gas Safety Certificate for all of their rented units with gas appliances present. It is only given when a Gas Safe Registered Engineer deems all present gas appliances to be working safely and properly.
How To Apply For a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords need to book a Gas Safe engineer to do an extensive gas safety check to ensure that all gas appliances are performing properly and without any damage. Gas safety checks will identify whether the rental property needs any repairs or replacement, i.e. boiler repair or boiler replacement. A CP12 Certificate will also reduce the chances of a gas fire ever happening.
What Is The Gas Safety Certificate Cost?
The price varies depending on the Gas Safe Registered Engineers that you book. Several factors are also included in the computation such as the number of tests done, amount of gas appliances to be checked, and where your house is. However, the average Gas Safety Certificate Cost is around £30.
How Long Does a Gas Safety Certificate Last?
The Gas Safety Certificate expires after one year, which requires landlords to have their units checked annually. This is an important thing to remember. Make sure that you ask your landlord for a copy of the new Gas Safety Certificate every time the old one ceases to be valid. A lot can happen in a year. The daily activity of a tenant can slowly accumulate damage, rendering gas appliances unsafe for use.
How To Get A Gas Safety Certificate?
A Gas Safety Certificate can only be signed by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. Landlords need to book an appointment with a Gas Safe registered engineer who will come on the site to inspect all gas-related fixtures and appliances of the house. Tests are also required to be done on the pipework to make sure that there are no gas leaks, no matter how minuscule.
If you’re a landlord, make sure that you ask your Gas Safe Registered Engineer for a copy of your Gas Safety check. It should include all the results of the tests that were done inside your property. Remember to also give your tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Record form.