Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service is a essential part of responsible homeownership and property management. Both require the services of a Gas Safe registered engineer to examine your home's appliances and ensure compliance with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords are legally required to organize these services and checks in the properties they lease out. Tenants may also seek these documents to determine if their home is safe.
Legal Requirements
There are no legal requirements for homeowners to obtain a gas safety certification, although it is strongly recommended. The inspection can help to make buyers feel at ease that the house is safe and functioning properly, which may increase the chances of selling. A gas safety inspection could also identify potential problems, such as leaks and inefficiency. This could save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
Landlords must receive a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo an annual gas safety inspection each year prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and that they are in compliance with the relevant regulations. Landlords also need to keep a record of all checks that are carried out.
A valid CP12 should clearly state the address, name, and registration number of an engineer who carried out the inspection. It must include a description of all the gas appliances that were inspected. It should also include the official Gas Safe Register logo in the top right corner, and mention the current status of each appliance (e.g. it is safe for use).
Ideally boilers should be located in rooms that are isolated from other areas of the building with non-combustible construction that has a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating. This will protect against explosions and fires as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Heating and boilers in garages or auto repair shops need to be stored in a separate space.
If a boiler is found to be unsafe during the inspection, the gas engineer will notify the landlord of the issue and request permission to disconnect the gas supply. The landlord must be prepared to take this action when they are concerned about their tenants' safety and health.
In the event of a breakdown in a boiler, landlords should ensure that tenants are aware of the expected timeframe for repairs as well as any alternative arrangements. This is not just a legal requirement but also helps in establishing good communication and positive landlord-tenant relationships.
Regular boiler maintenance can boost the efficiency of your boiler, as well as reduce carbon emission. This is an important aspect in reducing the environmental impact and energy costs. The inspection and maintenance work can also reveal any issues that could lead to a boiler failure, which would significantly impact the safety and expense.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. The best way to accomplish this is by arranging regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and make your property appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell the property in the future.
Landlords are required in UK to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all their installations and appliances. It is an official requirement that must be renewed annually to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. Inability to obtain a CP12 could result in significant fines and even having the appliances taken away from your rental property.
A gas safety check involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their installations to determine if they're functioning properly and safely. The engineer will examine the internal and casing components of the appliance and also the flue, pipes and external casing to find indications of leaks or damage. They will also test the burner gas pressure and ensure there is adequate ventilation.
The results of a gas safety check are recorded on a certificate. It will contain information about the appliance and the installation tested, along with whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will indicate whether the appliance is Not to Current Standards (NCS), Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that do not pass the inspection are marked on the certificate and must be repaired or replaced in the shortest time possible.
A boiler service is similar to a gas safety inspection in that it can save you money by identifying any issues before they become more serious. Boiler servicing also helps to increase the efficiency of the heating system, which could result in lower energy bills and less carbon emissions. The annual maintenance will also aid in extending the life of the heating system and decrease the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To receive the Gas Safety Certificate, it is essential that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good working order and safe. This can help prevent accidents and injuries that are caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 is not just legally required however, it can also help to improve the value of homes because potential tenants can be assured the home is safe.
A CP12 document is a legal document that provides the results of an extensive Gas Safe inspection. This will check all the appliances in the property and check for gas leaks and ensuring that there is adequate ventilation, verifying the safety devices are in good working order and much more. The cost of a CP12 can vary depending on the size of the house, the number of appliances, and the location. Prices are higher in big cities and towns.
The cost of boiler maintenance will vary based on the number of appliances that need to be checked. As a rough guide, a standard boiler service typically costs between PS60 and PS120. It will include an inspection, cleaning, and minor parts replacement. Landlord boiler protection plans often include an annual boiler maintenance as part of their plan. This can help lower costs.
If you are required to repair or replace an appliance, the engineer will test it once the work is completed to ensure that it is safe to use. Any appliance that is deemed to be 'immediately dangerous is required to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid any further injuries and accidents.
gas safety certificate check registered engineers will be able to provide you with an official CP12 certificate for all gas appliances within your home including the boiler. They can also provide the full boiler repair and maintenance, keeping your heating system in good shape. You should be aware that if your boiler's warranty is not valid, it could be due to the fact that it doesn't have an annual boiler service. Therefore, it is essential 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 essence an gas safety certificate is an official document that declares your appliances are safe to use, while boiler services are a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
The process of obtaining both is quite simple and can be done easily by contacting an Gas Safe registered engineer. Request to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him access to your property. This is an excellent indicator that he has the right qualifications and certifications.
After the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety inspection, they will provide you with a certificate of gas safety. The certificate will include information about all appliances that were examined, the date of the inspection as well as the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords must keep a copy the certificate on file in case they require proof that their heating system is up to standard when they are selling or renting their property.
In the course of a boiler service, the engineer will check the flow and pressure of gas throughout your home. This will ensure the gas supply is consistent and that your appliances are functioning properly. They will also inspect your flues and ventilation to make sure they're working properly. The gas safe engineer can also clean the internal components of your boiler, which will improve its efficiency and reduce the risk of having to make costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer detects issues that could pose a risk the engineer will inform you and request that you take action to remedy the problem. If the issue is a serious concern, they might advise that you do not use your appliances until they have been repaired.
Both a gas safety certification and boiler service are important for keeping your home warm and secure, so it's essential to book both each year. It's illegal to rent your property out without a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlady. With BOXT's Home Cover packages, you can secure gas safety certification as well as an annual boiler maintenance at the same time.