Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler service are essential for responsible property management and homeownership. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to examine your home's appliances and ensure compliance with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords are legally obliged to arrange these checks and services for the properties they rent out. Tenants may apply for these documents to verify if their property has been checked.
Legal Requirements
There are no legal requirements for homeowners to obtain a gas safety certification but it is recommended. The inspection will help put prospective buyers' minds at ease that the house is safe and functioning properly, which may increase the likelihood of selling. A gas safety inspection could help to identify potential issues like leaks and inefficiency. This can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Landlords are legally obliged to undergo a gas safety check every year and obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) before renting out properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and conform with the relevant regulations. Landlords are also required to keep records of all checks.
A valid CP12 must clearly state the address of the property, along with the name and registration number of the engineer who carried out the inspection, as well as a clear description of all gas appliances that were inspected. It must also feature 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).
Idealy, boilers are enclosed in rooms that are separate from the rest of the building with non-combustible materials and a minimum of a two-hour fire resistance rating. This is to safeguard against explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and heaters near garages or auto repair shops must be stored in a separate area.
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. The landlord must be prepared to take this step in the event they are concerned about their tenants' health and safety.
In the event of a breakdown of the boiler, landlords should inform tenants of the anticipated timeframe for repairs, as well as any other options. This is not just a legal requirement however, it also shows good communication and builds positive landlord-tenant relationships.
In addition to protecting tenants, regular boiler services can also help improve the efficiency of boilers and decrease carbon emissions. This is a crucial factor in decreasing the cost of energy and environmental impact. Inspection and maintenance can also uncover any potential issues that could lead to an unplanned boiler breakdown that could have a significant impact on the safety and expense.
Benefits
If you're a property owner, then it is your responsibility to make sure that the gas appliances in your rental properties are safe to use. The best method to do this is to schedule regular gas safety checks and boiler services. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and make the property more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide to sell it in the near future.
Landlords in the UK must have a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for each of their gas appliances and installations. This is an obligation that is legally required and 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 hefty fines or even risk having your appliances removed from the rental property.
Gas safety checks include a thorough inspection of the appliances installed, their location and operation to determine if they're working correctly and safely. The engineer will examine the internal and casing components of the appliance and also the flue, pipes, and external casing for signs of damage or leaks. They will also test the burner gas pressure, make sure there's adequate ventilation and check the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety inspection will be documented on a gas certificate which will contain the details of each appliance and the installation that was tested, and whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will indicate whether the appliance is up to current standards (NCS) or if it is immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail the inspection will be marked as such on the certificate and must be fixed or replaced as soon as is possible.
A boiler service is similar to a gas safety inspection in that it can help you save money by identifying problems before they become serious. Boiler maintenance can increase the efficiency of the heating system, which could result in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in prolonging the life of the heating system and reduce the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) It is vital for landlords to make sure that their gas appliances are safe and in good working in good working order. This can help to prevent injuries and accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 certificate is not just required under law but also adds value to the property by giving potential tenants peace of mind that they are renting a safe house.
A CP12 document is an official document which contains the results of an extensive Gas Safe inspection. This will check all the appliances in a home by examining gas tightness, ensuring there is sufficient ventilation, ensuring that the failsafes are functioning properly and more. The cost of a CP12 is dependent on the size and number of appliances that are in the house. In general, the cost will be higher in larger cities or towns.
gas safety certificate grace period of boiler maintenance will vary based on the number of appliances that need to be inspected. As a rough guide an average boiler service usually costs between PS60 and PS120. It will include an inspection, cleaning and minor replacement of parts. Many Landlord boiler insurance plans provide an annual boiler service as part of the package, helping to lower these costs.
If you have to repair or replace an appliance then the engineer will test it after the work is complete to make sure it's safe to use. Any appliance that is considered to be 'immediately risky is required to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further accidents and injury.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able to provide you with an official CP12 certificate for all gas appliances in your home including the boiler. They can also provide the full boiler repair and maintenance to keep your heating system in good shape. It is important to remember that if you don't perform a boiler maintenance annually, your boiler warranty may be invalidated. Therefore, it is important to locate a reputable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry the essential services.
Getting Started
When it concerns boiler services and gas safety certificates, homeowners and landlords alike are often confused as to what the process involves. A gas safety certificate is an official document that certifies your appliances as safe to use. A boiler service is maintenance and inspection on your heating system.
The process for obtaining both is relatively easy, and it can be done easily by calling a Gas Safe registered engineer. Always request to verify the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing access to your home it is a reliable indicator 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 inspection. The certificate will include details regarding all appliances tested, the date of the inspection as well as the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords should keep a copy the certificate on file in case they ever need to prove that their heating system is in good working order when they are selling or renting their home.
During a boiler maintenance the engineer will inspect the flow rate and pressure of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is stable and that there are no leaks or issues with your appliances. They will also examine your ventilation and flue to ensure that they are working correctly. The gas safe engineer will also clean the internal components of your boiler which will improve its efficiency and reduce the risk of future expensive repairs.
The engineer will inform you when they discover any issues that could pose a risk and will ask you to take actions. If the problem is serious they may suggest that you do not use your appliances until they are fixed.
Booking both a boiler service and a gas safety certification annually is vital to keep your home safe and warm. It is illegal to rent your property out without having a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlord. To make the process simpler you can arrange for both gas safety certificates and boiler service through BOXT's Home Protection packages.