Gas Safety Inspections Braintree

Gas Safety Checks and Landlords CP12 Certificates

Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Gas Services Ltd. We undertake Gas Safety Inspections in Braintree and issue CP12 certificates.

Gas safety inspections and the resulting Landlord Certificates (CP12) are essential for landlords to meet legal requirements and safeguard tenants.

What is a Landlord’s Gas Safety Inspection?

A Landlord’s Gas Safety Inspection is a detailed check of all the gas appliances, fittings, and pipework within a rental property. A qualified Gas Safe registered engineer inspects to ensure the gas system and appliances operate safely and efficiently.

During the inspection, the engineer carries out a range of checks, including:

Ensuring all gas appliances and connections are sealed properly – Checking for leaks or loose fittings that could pose a danger.
Measuring static and operational gas pressure – Verifying that appliances receive the correct gas supply for safe and efficient operation.
Comparing gas usage with manufacturer specifications – Ensuring appliances function accordingly.
Check that ventilation is adequate for safe gas use. Ensure enough airflow to prevent dangerous gas accumulation.
Testing built-in safety mechanisms – Confirming that devices designed to shut off emergency gas are working properly.
Verify appliances are securely mounted and stable – Ensuring all appliances are properly fixed and in place and not at risk of movement or damage.
Inspecting flues for clear airflow – Confirming that waste gases like carbon monoxide can exit safely without obstruction.
Assessing combustion efficiency of gas appliances – Checking how well appliances burn gas to prevent excessive emissions.
Examining carbon monoxide and smoke alarms – Ensuring alarms are installed correctly and function as required for early hazard detection.
Looking for signs of deterioration, damage, or incorrect use – Identifying issues such as corrosion, wear, or unsafe modifications.

If your property meets the required standards, the engineer issues a CP12 certificate, confirming that the home complies with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. To remain valid, this certificate must be handed to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and renewed every 12 months.

Why are Gas Safety Inspections Important for Landlords in Braintree?

Gas Safety inspections are important for landlords for various reasons:

Protecting Tenants

Regular gas safety inspections safeguard tenants from serious risks, such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even explosions. A small fault in a Boiler or cooker can escalate quickly if left undetected, making an annual check essential.

Meeting Legal Requirements

By law, landlords in the UK must have annual inspections conducted by Gas Safe registered engineers.

Avoiding Fines and Liability

Failure to undertake annual gas safety inspections could lead to fines from local authorities or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If a gas-related accident happens and it’s found that you haven’t complied with regulations, you could be held liable for any damages or injuries.

Maintaining Property Value

A well-maintained property with safe, efficient appliances is less likely to develop issues and costly repairs. Proactive inspections and timely repairs protect the long-term value of your investment.

What Does a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate Include?

A CP12 certificate records your property’s gas safety status. After an inspection, your Gas Safe registered engineer completes the certificate with detailed information:

A CP12 Gas Safety Certificate, also known as a Landlord Gas Safety Record, includes the following information:

Information about the Gas Safe registered engineer – Includes their name, signature, and registration number.
The inspection date – Specifies when the gas safety check was carried out.
Property Address – Identifies the rental property being inspected.
Landlord or letting agent details – Includes the name and contact address of the responsible party.
List of all gas appliances and flues inspected – Records their location and current condition.
Findings from operational safety tests – Summarise the results of performance checks on each appliance.
Identification of any safety issues – Highlights defects found and the necessary corrective actions.
Confirmation that the inspection has been completed – Officially states that the gas safety check has occurred.
Compliance declaration – Affirms that the inspection meets Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Next inspection due date – Indicates when the next annual check must be conducted.
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarm assessment – Confirm whether alarms are installed and working properly.

The CP12 certificate confirms that all checks have been performed according to legal standards. You must address issues swiftly if they are discovered.

Our engineer will quote you for any required work to rectify any issues. Once the issues have been rectified, a certificate can be issued.

Once the certificate is issued, you are legally required to supply it to tenants within 28 days and renew it annually.

How Often Do Landlords Need Gas Safety Inspections?

The law states that landlords must conduct gas safety inspections every 12 months. Annual checks ensure that any wear and tear on appliances, flues, or pipework is detected before it develops into a serious problem. Neglecting or forgetting the inspection risks tenants and opens the door to legal and financial repercussions. We’ll send you a reminder 2 months before your next inspection is due.

The Legislation

Here is the official legislation regarding Gas Safety Inspections for Landlords:

As a landlord, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with landlords’ duties to make sure gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe.

Appliances, fittings, and flues in communal areas that may be used by tenants are also included.

You are responsible for the maintenance and repair of flues, appliances and pipework provided for your tenant’s use by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Although there is no prescribed timeframe for these duties, good practice would be the demonstration of regular, annual maintenance checks and subsequent repairs.

You are also responsible for ensuring an annual gas safety check is carried out within 12 months of the installation of a new appliance or flue which you provide and annually thereafter by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

You must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed. You must also issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.

Who Is A Landlord?

In relation to domestic gas under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98), a landlord is anyone who rents out a property that they own under a lease that is shorter than 7 years or under a licence.

Regardless of whether you are a landlord under GS(IU)R 98, you may be considered a landlord under other related legislation.

Landlords’ duties apply to a wide range of accommodation occupied under a lease or licence, which includes, but not exclusively, residential premises provided for rent by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, housing co-operatives, hostels rooms let in bed-sit accommodation, private households, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels rented holiday accommodation such as chalets, cottages, flats, caravans and narrow boats on inland waterways.

Source hse.gov.uk