Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service are a critical element of responsible homeownership as well as property management. Both involve a professional, Gas Safe registered engineer inspecting your property's gas appliances to make sure they are in line with safety regulations set by the government.
Landlords are legally required to provide these services and checks in the properties that they rent. Tenants may also request these documents to see whether their home is secure.
Legal Requirements
It is not required for homeowners to obtain an official gas safety certificate however it is recommended. The inspection could help put prospective buyers' minds at ease knowing that the home is safe and working properly, which may increase the chance of selling. A gas safety inspection can also help identify potential problems like leaks or inefficiency. This can save you money on energy bills over the long-term.
Landlords are required to obtain 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 comply with the applicable regulations. Landlords are also required to keep a record on all inspections.
A valid CP12 must clearly identify 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. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the upper-right corner. The current state of the appliance (e.g. suitable to use) must be clearly stated.
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 explosions and fires as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Heating and boilers in garages or auto repair shops should be kept in a separate room.
Gas engineers will inform the landlord that the boiler is in danger and ask permission to cut off the gas supply. The landlord must be prepared to take this action in the event they are concerned about their tenants' health and safety.
In the event of a breakdown in a boiler, landlords must make sure their tenants know the expected timeframe for repairs, as well as any other arrangements. This is not just a legal requirement, but demonstrates good communications and fosters positive landlord-tenant relations.
In addition to protecting tenants regular boiler maintenance can aid in improving the efficiency of boilers and decrease carbon emissions. This is an important aspect in cutting down on the cost of energy and environmental impact. Inspection and maintenance will also reveal any potential issues that could lead to a boiler failure which could significantly impact the safety of the building and also cost.
Benefits
It is your obligation as a landlord to ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. This can be done by scheduling regular gas safety and boiler inspections. This will ensure your tenants' safety and make the property attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell the property in the future.
Landlords in the UK must have the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for all their gas appliances and installations. This is a requirement that must be followed annually to ensure the safety of the appliances used by tenants. Failure to have a CP12 can result in hefty fines and the risk of having the appliances removed from rental properties.
Gas safety checks include an in-depth inspection of the appliances, their installation and their operation to determine if they're working correctly and safely. The engineer will inspect the casing and internal components of the appliance as well as the flue, pipes and external casing to find indications of leaks or damage. They will also test the gas pressure of the burner and ensure that there is adequate ventilation, and test the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety test will be recorded on a gas certificate, which will detail every appliance and installation that was tested, as well as whether it passed or failed the safety test. The engineer will also indicate if the appliance is not in compliance with current standards (NCS) immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail to pass the inspection will be noted as such on the certificate, and must be fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
The advantages of a boiler maintenance are similar to those of the gas safety inspection, and can save you money by identifying any problems before they become serious. The boiler service can also increase the efficiency of your heating system. This can result in reduced energy bills and carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of the heating system, and also reduce future repair costs.
Costs
To be eligible for a Gas Safety Certificate, it is important that landlords ensure all their gas appliances are in good condition and safe. This will prevent injuries and accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 is not just required by law however, it can also help to improve the value of homes because potential tenants can be assured the home is secure.
A CP12 document is an official document which contains the results of an exhaustive Gas Safe inspection. This will check the appliances within a property. It also makes sure that there is sufficient ventilation and verify failsafes work correctly. The cost of a CP12 will vary based on the size of the home, the number of appliances in it, and where it is located. In general, the cost will be higher in larger cities or towns.
The cost of boiler service can differ and depend on the number of appliances that need to be inspected. As a rough guideline the boiler service should cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning and minor replacement of parts. Landlord boiler protection plans usually include annual boiler maintenance program as part of their plan. This helps to reduce costs.
The engineer will test the appliance once it has been repaired or replaced to make sure it is safe for use. Any appliance that is considered to be 'immediately risky' will need to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further accidents and injury.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be capable of providing you with an authentic CP12 for all gas appliances in your home including the boiler. Additionally, they can conduct a full boiler service and repairs, ensuring your heating system in tip-top shape. You should be aware that if the warranty on your boiler is not valid, it may be because you don't have an annual boiler maintenance. It is therefore essential to locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe for these essential services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. A gas safety certificate is a formal document that certifies that your appliances are safe to use. A boiler service is a type of maintenance and inspection on your heating system.
The process for obtaining both is quite simple, and it can be done easily by contacting an Gas Safe registered engineer. Always ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing access to your home it is a great indicator that they have the right qualifications and certifications.
When the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety check and has passed their safety check, they will issue you with a gas safety certification. The certificate will contain details regarding all appliances checked and the date of the inspection as well as the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords should also keep a copy on file in the event that they require proof that their heating system is up to standards when selling or renting their property.
In the course of 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 constant and that there aren't any leaks or issues with your appliances. They will also check your flues and ventilation to ensure that they're working correctly. In addition the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal components, which can help to increase efficiency and decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs in the future.
The engineer will inform you if they find any problems that could pose a risk and ask you to take action. If the issue is severe, they may recommend that you do not use your appliances until they are fixed.
Both a gas safety certification and boiler service are important for keeping your home warm and safe, so it's essential to book both each year. It's illegal to rent your home 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 as well as a boiler service with BOXT's Home Cover plans.