Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service is a essential element of responsible homeownership as well as property management. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to check the condition of your property's appliances and ensure that they are in compliance with the safety standards of the government.
Landlords are legally required to provide these services and check-ups on the properties they rent. Tenants can ask for these documents to determine if their house has been examined.
Legal Requirements
It isn't required for homeowners to obtain a gas safety certification however it is recommended. The inspection will help make buyers feel at ease that the property is safe and working well, which can increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety inspection also can help identify any issues that may require fixing, such as leaks or malfunctions, and can save you money on energy costs in the long term.
Landlords are legally required to undergo a gas safety test each year and obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and comply with the regulations applicable to them. Landlords also need to keep a record of any checks carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly indicate the address along with the name, address and registration number of the engineer who carried out the inspection. It should include a description of each of gas appliances that were examined. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner and the current state of the appliance (e.g. suitable for use) must also be mentioned.
Ideally, boilers are placed in rooms that are isolated from the rest of the building with non-combustible materials and a minimum two-hour fire resistance rating. This is to protect against explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces located near automotive repair shops or public garages need to be located in designated rooms.
Gas engineers will notify 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 the necessary steps.
In the event of a breakdown of a boiler, landlords should inform tenants of the expected timeframe for repairs as well as any alternative arrangements. This is not just a legal requirement but also helps in establishing good communication and positive landlord/tenant relationships.
In addition to making sure tenants are safe, regular boiler services can aid in improving the efficiency of boilers and reduce carbon emissions. This is an important element in reducing energy consumption and the impact on the environment. The maintenance and inspection process can also reveal any potential problems that could cause a boiler failure, which would significantly impact the safety of the building and also cost.
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 way to accomplish this is by arranging regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure the safety of your tenants, as well as making your property more attractive to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell it in the near future.
Landlords in the UK must have an Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for each of 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. Failure to have a CP12 could result in significant fines and even having the appliances removed from your rental properties.
A gas safety check involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their installations to determine if they're functioning properly and safely. The engineer will check the casings on the outside, internal components, pipes and flue for signs of damage or leaks. 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 a gas safety test are documented on a certificate. This will include details about each appliance and installation that was tested, and whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will inform you if the appliance is not conforming to current standards (NCS) immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail the inspection will be marked as such on the certificate, and will need to be replaced or repaired 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. A boiler service can also boost the efficiency of your heating system. This could result in lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, the annual maintenance helps to prolong the life of the boiler and cut down the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To receive the Gas Safety Certificate, it is important that landlords ensure that all their gas appliances are in good working order and safe. This will help prevent injuries and accidents that are caused by equipment that isn't maintained properly. A CP12 is not only required by law but also helps to increase the value of properties because potential tenants can be assured the home is safe.
A CP12 is an official document that provides the findings of a thorough examination by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will check the appliances within a property. It also makes sure that there is adequate ventilation and ensure that failsafes are working properly. The cost of a CP12 will vary based on the size and quantity of appliances in the property. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.
Boiler service costs may vary and are dependent on the number of appliances that need 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 part replacement. A lot of Landlord boiler protection plans include an annual boiler service as part of the package, which helps to cut down on these costs.
If you are required to repair or replace an appliance then the engineer will test it after the work is complete to ensure it is safe to use. Any appliance that is considered to be 'immediately risky must be fixed as quickly as is possible to avoid accidents and injury.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able to provide you with an authentic CP12 certificate for all gas appliances within your home, including the boiler. In addition, they can perform a full boiler maintenance and repairs, ensuring that your heating system in tip-top shape. It is worth noting that if you do not have a boiler service done every year, your warranty on your boiler may be invalidated. It is therefore essential to find an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe to provide these vital services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate process. In short an gas safety certificate is a legal document that states your appliances are safe for use, and a boiler service is a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
The process for obtaining both is relatively easy and can be done easily by contact with a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should always ask to verify the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing them entry to your property it is a great indicator that they hold the appropriate qualifications and certifications.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you the certificate of gas safety once they have completed their safety inspection. It will contain the details of all the appliances that have been inspected, along with the date the inspection was conducted and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords must also keep a copy of the certificate in case they require proof that their heating system is up to standard when they sell or renting their property.
When you have a boiler service the engineer will test the flow and pressure of gas throughout your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is consistent and that there aren't any leaks or issues with your appliances. They will also inspect your vents and flues to make sure they are operating properly. The gas safe engineer will also clean the internal parts of your boiler, which will improve its efficiency and decrease the chance of costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer discovers issues that may be dangerous, they will inform you and ask that you resolve the problem. If the issue is severe they might suggest that you do not use your appliances until they have been repaired.
Booking both a boiler service and a gas safety certification every year is essential to keep your home warm and safe. It's illegal to rent your home out without the Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlord. With BOXT's Home insurance packages, you can book an gas safety certificate and a boiler maintenance service at the same at the same time.