Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service are essential element of responsible homeownership and property management. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your property's appliances and ensure compliance with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords have a legal obligation to provide these services and inspections in the properties they lease. Tenants can apply for these documents to verify if their property has been checked.
Legal Requirements
It is not required for homeowners to get an official gas safety certificate however it is recommended. The inspection can put prospective buyers at ease, as it will ensure that the home is safe and functioning properly. This may increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety check aids in identifying any issues that might require addressed, like leaks or malfunctions, and this can save money on energy bills in the long run.
Landlords are legally obliged to undergo a gas safety inspection each year and obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use, and comply with relevant regulations. Landlords must also keep track of all checks that are carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly indicate the address of the property, along with the name and registration number of the person who performed 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 state of the appliance (e.g. safe for use) must also be stated.
Ideally boilers should be located in rooms that are separated from the rest of the building with non-combustible construction with at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating. This will help prevent explosions and fires as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Furnace and boilers that are near automotive repair shops or public garages should be in dedicated rooms.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord that a boiler is unsafe and ask permission to cut off gas supply. If they care about the safety of their tenants and health landlords should be prepared to take this action.
In the event of a breakdown in a boiler, landlords must ensure that tenants are aware of the anticipated timeframe for repairs and any alternative arrangements. This is not just a legal requirement, but helps in establishing good communication and positive landlord/tenant relationships.
Regular boiler maintenance can boost boiler efficiency, and reduce carbon emission. This is an important aspect in decreasing the environmental impact and energy costs. Inspection and maintenance can also uncover any potential problems that could cause a boiler failure that could have a significant impact on the safety and expense.
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. This can be accomplished by scheduling regular gas and boiler safety inspections. This will ensure the safety of your tenants, as well as making your property more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords are required in UK to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for each of their installations and appliances. This is a requirement that must be fulfilled every year to ensure the safety of the appliances used by tenants. Failure to have a CP12 could result in significant fines and the risk of having the appliances removed from your rental properties.
Gas safety checks require a thorough inspection of the appliances as well as their installation and operation to determine if they're operating safely and correctly. The engineer will examine the casings on the outside as well as the internal components, flue and pipes for any 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. 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 also indicate whether the appliance is conforming to current standards (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail the inspection are marked on the certificate and must be replaced or repaired in the shortest time possible.
A boiler service is similar to an inspection for gas safety in that it can help you save money by identifying problems before they become serious. The maintenance of your boiler can also help improve the efficiency of the heating system, which could result in lower energy costs and less carbon emissions. The annual maintenance will also help to extend the lifespan of the heating system and decrease the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To obtain the Gas Safety Certificate, it is crucial that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good order and safe. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 certificate is not only required under law, but also adds value to the property by giving prospective tenants the assurance that they have rented a safe and secure home.
A CP12 document is an official document which details the results of an extensive Gas Safe inspection. The CP12 will examine all appliances in the property and check for gas leaks and ensuring that there is adequate ventilation, as well as ensuring that failsafes are working properly and more. The cost of a CP12 varies depending on the size and quantity of appliances that are in the house. Costs are higher in large cities and towns.
The cost of boiler maintenance can also vary depending on the amount of appliances to be checked. As a general rule an annual boiler service can cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning, and minor replacement of parts. Many Landlord boiler protection plans include an annual boiler service as part of the package, which helps to lower these costs.
The engineer will test the appliance after it has been repaired or replaced to make sure it is safe to use. To avoid any further injuries or accidents the appliance that is deemed 'immediately hazardous' must be repaired as quickly as possible.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be in a position to issue a valid CP12 for all gas appliances within your home, including the boiler. Additionally, they will perform a full boiler maintenance and repairs, ensuring your heating system in tip-top condition. It is worth noting that if you do not have a boiler service done annually, your boiler warranty could be void. Therefore, it is essential to locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe to provide these vital services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In essence the term "gas safety certificate" is legal document that proves your appliances are safe to use, while a boiler service is an inspection and maintenance of your heating system.
Contacting a Gas Safe registered technician is an easy way to obtain both. Always request to verify the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing access to your home, as this is a reliable indicator that they have the right qualifications and accreditations.
When the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety inspection, they will provide you with a certificate of gas safety. The certificate will contain details about all appliances that were checked and the date of the inspection, and the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords must keep a copy the certificate on file in the event that they ever need to prove that their heating system is functioning properly when selling or renting 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 that the gas supply is constant and that there aren't any leaks or problems with your appliances. They will also check your ventilation and flues to ensure they're functioning properly. The gas safe engineer can also clean the internal components of your boiler, which will improve the efficiency of your boiler and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.
The engineer will let you know if they find any problems that could be dangerous and ask you to take action. If the issue is severe, they may recommend that you stop using your appliances until they have been fixed.
Both a gas safety certification and boiler service are crucial to keep your home warm and secure, so it's essential to have both services scheduled annually. 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 insurance packages, you can book a gas safety certification and an annual boiler maintenance at the same simultaneously.