Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service are a essential element of responsible homeownership and property management. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to examine your home's appliances and ensure that they are in compliance with government safety regulations.
Landlords have a legal obligation to provide these services and checks in the properties that they rent. Tenants may ask for these documents to check if their home has been inspected.
Legal Requirements
There are no legal requirements for homeowners to obtain a gas safety certificate however it is highly recommended. The inspection can put prospective buyers at ease by ensuring that the house is safe and operating properly. This may increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety check aids in identifying any potential problems that need addressing, such as leaks or malfunctions, and this could save money on energy costs in the long term.
Landlords must receive a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo a gas safety inspection every year prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and in compliance with the relevant regulations. Landlords are also required to keep a log on all inspections.
A valid CP12 must clearly indicate the address of the property, along with the name and registration number of the engineer who conducted the inspection, and a clear description of all gas appliances inspected. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner, and the current state of the appliance (e.g. suitable to use) must also be stated.
Ideally boilers should be placed in rooms separated from the rest of the building with non-combustible construction, with a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating. This is to guard against explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces located close to automotive repair shops or public garages must be kept in separate rooms.
Gas engineers will inform the landlord if the boiler is unsafe and ask permission to cut off gas supply. If they care about their tenants' safety certificates and health landlords should be able to take such action.
In the event of a boiler failure landlords must ensure that tenants are informed of the expected duration of repairs and any other arrangements. This isn't just legal but also demonstrates good communication and promotes positive landlord-tenant relations.
In addition to protecting tenants regular boiler maintenance can help to improve the efficiency of boilers and reduce carbon emissions. This is a crucial aspect in reducing energy usage and the environmental impact. Inspection and maintenance can also reveal any problems that could cause a boiler failure, which would significantly impact the safety of the building and also cost.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure the security of gas safety certificates appliances in your rental property. The best method to do this is to arrange regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure your tenants' safety and make your property more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords in the UK are required to possess an Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for all their gas appliances and installations. This is an official requirement that must be renewed annually to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. If you don't possess 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 check involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their components to determine if they're operating correctly and safely. The engineer will check the casings on the outside and internal components, as well as the flue and pipes for any signs of damage or leaks. They will also test for burner gas pressure and ensure there is sufficient ventilation.
The results of the gas safety test will be recorded on a gas certification, which will include details of every appliance and installation that was tested, and 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 fail the test will be noted as such on the certificate, and will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as is possible.
A boiler service is similar to the gas safety inspection in that it can help you save money by identifying issues before they become serious. The boiler service can also increase the efficiency of your heating system. This can lead to lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. In addition, the annual maintenance helps to prolong the life of the boiler and reduce the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To be eligible for a Gas Safety Certificate, it is crucial that landlords make sure all their gas appliances are in good working order and safe. This will help avoid accidents and injuries that are caused by faulty equipment. A CP12 certificate is not only legally required however it also adds value to the property by giving prospective tenants peace of mind that they are renting a safe home.
A CP12 is a formal document that outlines the results of an extensive examination by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will check the appliances within a property. It also makes sure that there is sufficient ventilation and ensure that failsafes are working properly. The cost of a CP12 will vary based on the size of the property and the number of appliances, and where it is located. Prices are higher in big cities and towns.
The cost of boiler service can also vary depending on the amount of appliances to be checked. As a rough guide an average boiler service typically costs between PS60 to PS120 and will include an inspection, cleaning and minor replacement of parts. Many Landlord boiler protection plans provide an annual boiler service as part of the package, which helps to cut down on these costs.
The engineer will test the appliance once it has been repaired or replaced to ensure it is safe to use. To prevent further accidents or injuries, any appliance that is classified as 'immediately hazardous' should be repaired as soon as is possible.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be in a position to issue a valid CP12 for all gas appliances in your home, including the boiler. Additionally, they will perform a full boiler maintenance and repairs, ensuring your heating system in good condition. You should be aware that if your boiler's warranty isn't valid, it could be due to the fact that you don't have an annual boiler service. Therefore, it is important to find a reliable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry these vital services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In simple terms, a gas safety certificate is an official document that declares your appliances are safe for use, whereas boiler services are a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
The process of getting both is fairly straightforward and is easy to do by contacting an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should always ask to look up the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing access to your home since this is a reliable indicator that they have the right qualifications and accreditations.
After the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety inspection and completed their safety inspection, they will present you with a gas safety certification. This will include the details of all the appliances that were inspected, along with the date that the inspection was completed and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords must also keep a copy on file in the event that they need to prove that their heating system is up to standards when renting or selling their property.
When you have a boiler service the engineer will check the flow and pressure of gas throughout your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is stable and that there are no leaks or problems with your appliances. They will also check your flues and ventilation to ensure that they are functioning correctly. The gas safe engineer will also clean the internal components of your boiler which will increase the efficiency and decrease the chance of costly repairs in the future.
The engineer will inform you when they discover any issues that could pose a risk and will ask you to take actions. If the issue is of a serious concern, they may recommend that you don't use your appliances until they have been fixed.
Both a gas safety certification and boiler service are important to keep your home warm and secure It's therefore essential to have both services scheduled every year. If you're a landlord safety certificate, keep in mind that it's against law to let out your property without a 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.