Gas Safety Certificate Cost - Why Landlords Need One
Gas Safety Certificates are legally required and provide landlords peace of mind knowing that their rental properties meet safety standards. It also helps tenants save money on their energy bills and avoid future problems with their appliances.
During the inspection, the engineer will inspect for any leaks or issues in the boiler, flues and other gas fittings. It will take no more than 30 minutes.
Cost of the Inspection
Landlords need to get a gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12 certificate, for each rental property that has gas appliances. It's a legal requirement and essential for keeping everyone living in your property safe from carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions. While it may seem like an extra expense it's a worthwhile investment in the security of your tenants.
The cost of an CP12 Inspection will vary depending on the kind of property, the location and the number of appliances. The average cost of an inspection falls between PS60 and PS90 and the cost increasing during winter, when engineers are busy.
During the inspection, a qualified gas engineer will make sure that your appliances are in good order and safe for use. They will test your gas meter, boiler and all gas fires. They'll also look for any potential dangers, like loose flues and joints, and poor ventilation. They will also check that the ventilation passages and pipes are clear of obstructions and that harmful gases like carbon monoxide are not able to escape.
The gas safety certificate process typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes for one appliance. For larger properties or if there are multiple issues found, this could take longer. The engineer then has to complete the CP12 form, detailing their findings and taking notes of any work that needs to be completed. If they are not able to provide a certificate, the engineer will provide reasons and offer advice on how to resolve the issue.
As a landlord, you are legally required to be able to have your gas safety certificates renewed annually. Failure to do so could result in substantial fines or even criminal penalties. If you don't have a valid certificate, your insurance policy may be invalidated. It is important to shop around for estimates, and then find an engineer with a good reputation and has competitive rates.
Many companies offer packages of inspections and services like boiler maintenance or servicing. These are often cheaper than having to pay for each service separately. Ask if find more include minor repairs.
Cost of the Certificate
Gas safety certificates (also known as CP12s) are legally required for landlords to must obtain to ensure the safety of their gas appliances and pipes. Carbon monoxide poisoning could be fatal within two hours. Landlords should conduct these checks on all the properties with gas supplies as well as those in the care of tenants.
The cost of a certificate of gas safety depends on the type and amount of appliances that are in the property. A typical home with a gas boiler and gas fire will cost between PS60-PS90. However, a bigger property that has multiple gas appliances may cost more. The cost includes the travel time of the engineer as well as the time spent inspecting each appliance. The price includes the engineer's expertise, as well as equipment needed to conduct these tests.
Certain companies offer bulk discounts to landlords who manage several properties. This can help landlords save money since the cost per property reduces as the number grows. You can also combine a gas check with other services like the inspection of your boiler. It might cost a bit more but landlords will save time and money.
The location of the property is a different factor that affects the cost of a certificate of gas security. Some companies charge more for inspections in urban areas, whereas others charge less in rural areas. This is due to the fact that rural areas are more difficult to reach and might require additional fuel.
The cost of a gas certificate security can also differ according to the season. Prices can increase significantly in the winter months when there is a higher demand for gas services or boiler repairs. This is due to engineers engaged in more projects and must work harder to keep up with demand.
Ultimately the gas safety certificate is an essential document for any landlord. It can be used to market the property and to ensure that gas appliances and pipework are safe for tenants. It also helps to identify problems early, allowing them to be addressed before the issue becomes a problem. In some cases, prospective buyers may even demand the seller to provide an original copy of the gas safety certificate prior to they can sign a contract for the sale.
Cost of the Follow-Up Work
As a landlord you must make sure that all gas appliances are safe to use in your rental properties. It is therefore crucial to have regular gas safety checks conducted by a Gas Safe-registered engineer. During this inspection, the engineer will test the gas meter, as well as all gas appliances including boilers, gas fires, gas cookers and radiators to be sure they are in good working order and do not present any risk of poisoning with carbon monoxide.
The cost of a certification of gas safety may be dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type and number of gas appliances that have to be checked. For instance, a residential property is likely to have fewer gas appliances than commercial properties, which can reduce the cost of the inspection. In addition some gas engineers could provide a combined gas safety inspection and boiler service, which can further cut down the cost.
If the engineer discovers any problems in the gas appliances on your property, they will indicate this on the Gas Safety Certificate and request to disconnect the appliance and have it repaired. This is a legal requirement to protect your tenants from any possible dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning.
Depending on the circumstances it is possible that your tenants are hesitant to allow access for the gas safety check. This could be due to an inability to comprehend the importance of this work or perhaps because they believe that it would be an invasion of privacy. In this instance, it is best to send them three separate letters insisting on access so that the checks can be completed. In the ideal scenario, you would want these letters sent as 'signed for delivery to prove that they have been received and you can follow up on any non-compliance.
A valid gas safety certificate will not only put your tenants at ease, but also increases the likelihood of selling your house when it's time to sell. A valid certificate will demonstrate that your property has been properly maintained and is ready for sale, which can increase the odds of selling.
Cost of Emergency Checks
It is your obligation as a landlord to ensure the safety of your tenants and to have the appropriate documentation to prove it. Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) are required for all installations and appliances within your property. It also involves conducting regular gas safety checks with a registered engineer.
The price of a gas safety inspection will differ based on the location and the engineer, as well as any issues discovered. The gas engineer will examine the appliances, flues, and pipework for safety and compliance with the rules and regulations. They will also examine ventilation to decrease the chance of poisoning with carbon monoxide, inspect cooking equipment for signs of damage and look for gas leaks.
If the heating engineer discovers any issues, they will be documented in the gas safety certificate. Any further action will need to be taken. If your gas fire is damaged beyond repair, it will have to be replaced. This can be costly particularly since heating engineers charge PS40 to PS60 per hour, or a daily cost of PS230 to PS280.
If your tenants are unwilling to allow you access for the inspection, this can also affect the cost. It could be due to an argument or they might feel it's an invasion of their privacy. You should remind them that the granting of access is an obligation of law and the inspection is necessary for their own security. You should also explain to them that carbon monoxide is odorless and tastes like nothing. They could die if they do not disconnect the gas supply.
For landlords who have multiple properties, it could be possible to negotiate the purchase of a gas safety check in bulk for a discounted rate. It's worth checking online to see the current offers and if there are discounts for booking multiple checks at once. You could also sign a service contract that covers annual gas safety inspections and boiler maintenance. This could be cheaper than paying for these services separately, and could save you money in the end.