Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service is a crucial element of responsible homeownership as well as property management. Both require a trained, Gas Safe registered engineer checking your home's gas appliances to ensure they are in compliance with governmental safety regulations.
Landlords are legally required to organize these services and checks in the properties they rent out. Tenants may request these documents as well to check if their home has been examined.
Legal Requirements
It is not required for homeowners to get an official gas safety certificate however it is recommended. The inspection can help to ensure that potential buyers are at ease knowing that the home is safe and working correctly, which could increase the chance of selling. A gas safety inspection can also help identify potential problems like leaks and poor functionality. This can help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.
Landlords must be issued a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo an inspection for gas safety each year prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure all gas appliances and installations are safe to use, and comply with relevant regulations. Landlords also need to keep a record of all inspections carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly indicate the address, name, and registration number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It should include a description of each of the gas appliances examined. 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).
Ideally boilers should be located in rooms that are separated from the rest of the building with non-combustible construction that has a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating. This will protect against fires and explosions as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and heaters in garages or auto repair shops must be stored in a separate room.
Gas engineers will inform the landlord if a boiler is unsafe and ask permission to cut off the gas supply. If they are concerned about their tenants' safety and health landlords should be able to take such action.
In the event of a breakdown in a boiler, landlords must make sure their tenants know the anticipated timeframe for repairs, as well as any alternative arrangements. This isn't just an obligation under the law, but also demonstrates good communications and fosters positive landlord/tenant relationships.
Regular maintenance of boilers can increase boiler efficiency, and reduce carbon emission. This is an important aspect in cutting down on the environmental impact and energy costs. The inspection and maintenance work can also uncover any issues that could lead to a boiler failure which could significantly impact the safety of the building and also cost.
Benefits
If you're a landlord, 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 by arranging regular gas safety checks and boiler service. This will ensure your tenants' safety and also make the property more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide to sell it in the near future.
Landlords in the UK must have an Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for all their gas appliances and installations. This is an obligation that must be met each year to ensure the security of the appliances for tenants. Inability to obtain a CP12 could result in substantial fines and the risk of having the appliances taken away from your rental property.
A gas safety inspection requires a thorough examination of the appliances and their installation to determine if they're operating safely and in a safe manner. The engineer will look at the casing and internal parts of the appliance and also the pipes, flue, and external casing to find indications of leaks or damage. They will also test the gas pressure in the burner and ensure there is sufficient ventilation.
The results of the gas safety test 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 the appliance's status as 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 a gas safety inspection in that it could save you money by identifying issues before they become serious. Boiler maintenance can improve the efficiency of the heating system, which could lead to lower energy bills and less carbon emissions. In addition, the annual maintenance can help to prolong the life of the boiler, and also reduce repair costs in the near future.
Costs
To be eligible for a Gas Safety Certificate, it is essential that landlords make sure that all their gas appliances are in good working in good condition and safe. This will help avoid injuries and accidents caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 certificate is not just legally required but also adds value to the property by giving potential tenants peace of mind that they have rented a safe and secure home.
A CP12 is an official document that details the results of an extensive examination by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will check the appliances inside a house. It also makes sure that there is adequate ventilation and verify failsafes work correctly. The cost of a CP12 can vary depending on the size of the house and the number of appliances, and the location of the property. In general the price will be higher in larger towns or cities.
Boiler service costs can also differ and depend on the number of appliances that need to be checked. As a general rule, a boiler service will cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning, and minor replacement of parts. A lot of Landlord boiler cover plans provide an annual boiler service as part of the package, helping to reduce these costs.
If you are required to repair or replace an appliance an engineer will test it once the work is complete to ensure that it is safe to use. To prevent 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 a valid CP12 for all the gas appliances within your home, including the boiler. They can also perform the full boiler repair and service to keep your heating system in good shape. It is worth noting that if you don't have a boiler service done every year, your boiler warranty could be void. Therefore, it is essential to locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe to provide these essential services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate procedure. A gas safety certificate is an official document that certifies that your appliances are safe to use. A boiler service is a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
Contacting an Gas Safe registered technician is an easy way to find both. Request to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him to enter your home. This is an excellent evidence that he is qualified and has the proper qualifications and accreditations.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you the certificate of gas safety once they have completed their safety inspection. This will include the details of all appliances that have been checked and the date the inspection was conducted and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords should keep a copy of the certificate on file in case they require proof that their heating system is functioning properly when selling or renting their home.
When a boiler is being maintained engineer will examine the flow rate and pressure of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is consistent and that your appliances are operating properly. They will also examine your vents and flues to make sure they are functioning properly. In addition, the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal components, which can help to increase efficiency and reduce the possibility of costly repairs in the future.
The engineer will inform you the problem if they spot any that could be dangerous and ask you to take steps. If the issue is serious concern, they may suggest that you not use your appliances until they are fixed.
A gas safety certificate and boiler service are essential to keep your home warm and safe It's therefore essential to book both every year. It's illegal to rent your home out without a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlady. With BOXT's Home Cover packages, you can get a gas safety certification and a boiler maintenance at the same simultaneously.