Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler services are vital for responsible property management and homeownership. Both involve a professional, Gas Safe registered engineer checking your home's gas appliances to ensure they are in compliance with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords are legally bound to provide these services and inspections in the properties that they rent. Tenants may also seek these documents to determine if their home is safe.
Legal Requirements
It is not mandatory for homeowners to get the gas safety certification however it is highly recommended. The inspection could put potential buyers at ease by ensuring that the home is safe, and working correctly. This could increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety check can help identify any issues that might require addressing, such as leaks or malfunctions, and this could save money on energy costs in the long term.
Landlords are legally obliged to undergo a gas safety test each year and obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and comply with the applicable regulations. Landlords must also keep a record of all inspections carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly identify the address of the property, as well as the name and registration number of the person who performed the inspection, as well as a clear description of all gas appliances inspected. It should also include the official Gas Safe Register logo in the top right corner, and indicate the current condition of each appliance (e.g., fit to use).
Ideally, boilers are placed in rooms that are separated from the rest of the building by noncombustible materials and a minimum two-hour flame resistance rating. This is to protect against explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces that are located near automotive repair shops or public garages should be in dedicated rooms.
If a boiler is found to be unsafe during the inspection, the gas engineer will inform the landlord of the issue and ask permission to cut off the gas supply. Landlords should be willing to take this step if they are concerned for their tenants' health and safety.
In the case of a breakdown to a boiler, landlords must ensure that tenants are aware of the anticipated timeframe for repairs and any alternative arrangements. This is not only a legal requirement but also demonstrates good communications and fosters positive landlord/tenant relationships.
In addition to ensuring the safety of tenants regular boiler maintenance can help to improve boiler efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This is a key aspect in reducing energy usage and impact on the environment. Inspection and maintenance can also uncover any issues that could result in the failure of a boiler, which would significantly impact the safety and expense.
Benefits
It is your obligation as a landlord to ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. This can be accomplished by scheduling regular boiler and gas safety inspections. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and make your property more attractive to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell it in the near future.
Landlords are required in UK to carry a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all their installations and appliances. It is a legal requirement that must be renewed annually to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. In the absence of a CP12 can result in hefty fines and even having the appliances removed from your rental properties.
A gas safety inspection involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their installation to determine if they're operating safely and in a safe manner. The engineer will inspect the casing and internal parts of the appliance and also the flue, pipes and external casing to find signs of damage or leaks. They will also test the burner gas pressure, make sure there's adequate ventilation and verify the safety devices.
The results of a gas safety test are documented on a certificate. It will contain information about each appliance and installation tested, along with whether or whether it passed the safety test. The engineer will note whether the appliance is not to Current Standards (NCS), Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that fail the test will be noted as such on the certificate, and will require to be replaced or repaired in the shortest time possible.
A boiler service is similar to a gas safety inspection in that it could save you money by identifying problems before they become serious. A boiler service can also boost the efficiency of your heating system. This can lead to lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. In addition, the annual maintenance can help to prolong the life of the boiler and reduce repair costs in the future.
Costs
To be eligible for the Gas Safety Certificate, it is essential that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good working in good condition and safe. This can help avoid injuries and accidents that are caused by equipment that isn't maintained properly. A CP12 certificate is not just legally required however it also adds value to the property as it gives potential tenants peace of mind that they are renting a safe house.
A CP12 document is an official document that provides the results of an exhaustive Gas Safe inspection. This will check all the appliances in the property by examining gas tightness and ensuring that there is adequate ventilation, verifying failsafes are working properly and more. The cost of a CP12 will vary based on the size of the house as well as the number of appliances and where it is located. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.
The cost of boiler service will vary based on the amount of appliances to be checked. As a rough guideline, a boiler service will cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning and minor repairs. Many Landlord boiler cover plans include an annual boiler maintenance as part of the package, which helps to cut down on these costs.
If you have to replace or repair an appliance an engineer will test it once the work is completed to make sure it's safe to use. To avoid further accidents or injuries 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 an authentic CP12 for all your gas appliances in your home including the boiler. They can also provide the full boiler repair and service to keep your heating system in top shape. It is important to note that if you don't have a boiler service done every year, your warranty on your boiler could be void. Therefore, it is essential to find an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe for these vital services.
Getting Started
Both landlords and homeowners are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In simple terms an gas safety certificate is a legal document that states your appliances are safe for use, whereas a boiler service is a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
The process of getting both is fairly straightforward, and it is easy to do by contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer. Always request to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing them access to your property since this is a good indication that they are qualified and have the proper qualifications and accreditations.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you an official certificate of safety in gas once they have completed their safety checks. It will contain the details of all the appliances that were inspected and the date on which the inspection was completed and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords must also keep a copy in a the file in case they need to prove that their heating system is up to standards when selling or renting their property.
During a boiler maintenance engineer will examine the flow rate and pressure of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is consistent and that there are no leaks or issues with your appliances. They will also check your flue and ventilation to make sure they are operating properly. Additionally the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal components which will help improve efficiency and minimise the possibility of costly repairs in the future.
The engineer will let you know when they discover any issues that could pose a risk and will ask you to take action. If the issue is a serious concern, they might advise that you do not use your appliances until they have been fixed.
Both a gas safety certification and boiler service are crucial for keeping your home warm and secure, so it's essential to have both services scheduled annually. It's illegal to rent your home out without a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlord. To make the process easier you can get both gas safety certificates and boiler service through BOXT's Home Cover packages.