Are you up-to-date with all the latest safety regulations on gas appliances for landlords?
If you’re a landlord, or are thinking of becoming one, your top priority should always be the safety of your tenants, which means staying abreast of all the latest safety regulation updates.
Or, you can choose a reputable letting agent to guide you.
Luckily, the Gas Safe Register has clearly defined all you need to know about your responsibilities and obligations as a landlord.
Below, I’ve highlighted six of the most important points all landlords need to know and prepare for, right now:
1. Energy efficiency improvements
With the new ERP directive in place, we’re all moving towards better energy efficiency, and landlords are soon going to have to follow suit.
As of April 2016, domestic private landlords will be unable to refuse requests from tenants asking for consent to make energy efficiency improvements (such as installing energy efficient controls, or a new A-rated boiler etc.).
2. Energy Performance rating
From April 2018 onwards, private landlords looking to re-let any property that requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is currently F or G-rated, must take steps to improve that rating to a minimum of E.
This is particularly worth noting for any landlords who have old back boilers installed in their properties, as it could be worth saving up for a replacement now (don’t forget, you could get £400 cashback from the boiler scrappage scheme).
From this date you will not be able to let a property below energy rating
3. Annual inspection
All landlords must ensure that gas appliances (including boilers), pipework and flues are well-maintained and kept in a safe working condition at all times.
This means that you should have Landlords Safety Certificate CP12 and arrange an annual inspection on all gas appliances, as well as responding immediately if your tenants encounter any problems with their gas appliances.
4. Keep a record
Your Gas Safe registered installer will issue you with a Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), which you should keep filed away for a minimum of two years.
It’s important you do not lose this, so keep a few copies just in case.
5. Issue copies to tenants
You must issue a copy of the Gas Safe Register (formally CORGI) Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificate to each current tenant within 28 days of the safety check, or to new tenants before they move in.
TIP: It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s a good idea to carry out gas safety inspections between tenants, in addition to your annual gas safety inspection.
6. Carbon monoxide safety
Building regulations from October 2013 currently state that whenever a gas appliance is installed in Scotland, a carbon monoxide detector must also be fitted in the same room.
From 1st December 2015, private landlords will be required to install working carbon monoxide alarms in every room or inter-connected space where a fixed combustion appliance is installed (this excludes appliances that are used solely for cooking).
Warning
Not sticking to the regulations above means that you could be taken to court, fined or jailed for putting your tenants’ safety at risk.
A Gas Safe Register inspector can visit the property at any time to advise the appliances are isolated, as well as report any faults to the health and safety executive.
TIP: If you’re ever in doubt, be sure to use a reputable letting agent or Gas safe registered engineer who is up-to-date with your obligations as a landlord.
Conclusion
It is your responsibility to make sure your tenants are safe, which means keeping up-to-date with all regulations on gas appliances for landlords. The Gas Safe Register has clearly defined all your responsibilities and obligations as a landlord, but I’ve highlighted some of the most important above.
Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important, and upcoming legislation will mean that landlords will be a) unable to refuse consent to install energy efficient improvements and b) obligated to improve their property’s energy performance rating to a minimum of E.
All landlords must carry out an annual gas safety inspection via a Gas Safe registered engineer, and be issued a Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) which they must keep on record for two years.
Finally, you must install carbon monoxide detectors in the same room when fitted a gas appliance.
