What is a Gas Safety Certificate and Who Needs One?
A gas safety certificate lists all the tests and inspections an engineer conducts on your gas appliances. These inspections help lower the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
gas safe installation certificate to conduct these inspections every year. Gas Safe registered engineers must also conduct the inspections.
What is an Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)?
A gas safety certificate is an official document that demonstrates that all appliances and installations in your home have been examined by a certified engineer to ensure that they are safe to use. It's a legal requirement for landlords to have their flues and gas appliances regularly inspected to reduce the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or other serious accidents. Landlords who fail to adhere to these regulations could are subject to fines or even criminal prosecution.
Before issuing the document gas engineers conduct a thorough inspection to determine the condition of the appliances and installations. The report will show whether the appliances and installations passed or failed, as well as any recommendations for further action. The certificate will also include the name of the landlord, address and the date the test was conducted.
There are two types of gas safety certificates that are domestic and non-domestic. The first one is intended for homes, flats and studios while the latter applies to commercial properties like warehouses and office buildings. Both certificates must be renewed every year, and the engineer will give a copy of each appliance that they have inspected.
Who needs gas safety checks? The answer is anyone who leases or owns out a home with any gas appliance or installation. This includes homeowners who are private, housing associations, local authorities, hotels and hospitality places, and even schools. Landlords are particularly required to get their properties examined and issue their tenants with the most current Gas Safety Record, as they are legally responsible to ensure that their tenants are safe in the properties they lease or own.
If you own a property that is managed by an agent managing the property, it is important to ensure that they are the ones to plan the annual gas safety inspection and service. A managing agent will not disqualify you from the legal obligation to have your property tested and to give your tenants a Gas Safety Record.
Although it's not an obligation for homeowners to keep their own records on gas safety but they can be useful when selling the property, as prospective buyers will want proof that the appliances have been maintained and are safe. The TA6 form that forms part of the conveyancing procedure, also asks for an evidence of gas safety and it's a good idea to keep one before selling.
Who is in need of an Gas Safety Certificate?
In essence anyone who owns a domestic or commercial property that is equipped with gas-powered appliances and pipes will need to be checked by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. This will include landlords, building owners, and even some tenants who may reside in a property which is managed by a managing agent.
Landlords are subject to a range of legal obligations, and one of these is to ensure that all flues, appliances and fittings are inspected and certified safe by a Gas Safe engineer every 12 months. Gas Safety Certificates or CP12 are an essential part of every rental property. It is against the law for landlords to rent out properties without this document.
In the case of homeowners, although they aren't subject to the same legal obligations as landlords, it's still a good idea get an annual Gas Safety Check done once a year. This will keep their boiler in good condition and will highlight any issues that might need to be fixed.
The gas safety certificate is likely to contain a header which displays the name and registration number of the person who conducted the inspection, along with the property address, postcode, and other pertinent identifications. The certificate will also list all appliances that were examined and note whether they were successful or not. If any appliances were deemed to be unsafe, they will be marked as Not Compliant (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR).
This document is issued to the homeowner after the service and should be kept somewhere safe to be able to refer to it in the future. gas safe building regulations compliance certificate is an excellent idea for homeowners when they are selling their home. It can reassure buyers that the property is gas-safe.
What is included in a Gas Safety Certificate?
The gas safety certificate contains an inventory of all gas appliances and infrastructures an engineer has examined. It also includes information about the engineer including their name and Gas Safe Register ID number. The document usually starts with an introduction that lists the date and location of the inspection. The document will then list the appliances that were inspected along with their condition, as well as any safety concerns or actions taken.
The gas safety certificate includes details of the property where the inspection took place in addition to the name of the managing agent or landlord. The certificate must include an address, postcode and any identifiers that distinguish between properties. It also includes the name of the engineer and Gas Safe Register ID number and their signature.
Landlords are required to conduct regular gas safety inspections at their properties they lease. This is to ensure that all of the gas appliances and pipework are safe to use and that there are no leaks or other risks that could pose danger for the occupants. The engineer will sign the certificate if an appliance is unsafe. Three codes are used to determine the level of safety of an appliance: immediately dangerous, at risk or Not Current Standards.
Gas safety certificates can be an obligation for landlords who are selling their property. Potential buyers might request the records as part of their due diligence. They can use them to find any issues they require to address prior to purchasing the property.
Landlords can schedule a gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer, or conduct the check themselves using our user-friendly platform. We recommend conducting a Gas Safety Check at least once every 12 months to make sure that all the appliances are in good working condition and do not pose any safety risks to people living in the premises.
It is not up to tenants to obtain an official gas safety certificate or have their appliances tested. This is the responsibility of the landlord, who is required to arrange an annual inspection and issue an official gas safety certificate to their tenants.
How much will a Gas Safety Certificate cost?
A gas safety certificate is a legal requirement for landlords to ensure that their rental properties are safe for tenants to use. The cost of a safety test for gas appliances will vary in accordance with the size of your home as well as the location and number of appliances.
It is essential to communicate with your tenants and inform them when the inspection will occur so that they can be prepared for it. It's also a good idea to explain the reason they should let the engineer to do the inspection. Some tenants are reluctant to give access due to the belief that it is an privacy invasion or they could be in danger if they don't allow the engineer to inspect the boiler, fireplace or other appliances. You should remind that this is legally required. It is also possible to face fines or even criminal charges If an engineer is not able to access the fireplace, boiler, or any other appliances.
When the gas engineer is completed the inspection after which they will give you a an original copy of your gas safety certificate. This will include the date of the inspection, the engineer's details and your address for your home as well as a complete list of all the appliances or installations that were checked. The report will also list the appliances or installations that failed the test and any work required.
A Gas Safe certificate will usually be in the form of a standard black and white document, and your engineer will give you an original for every appliance or system they have examined. Keep this document to refer to in the future and you'll also have to provide a copy to your tenants.
Your gas engineer will also provide you with a copy of the Gas Safety Record, which will be valid for 12 months from the date of inspection. You must renew your Gas Safety Certificate prior to its expiration. You should also give the certificate to any new tenants moving in.