How Often Do You Need a Gas Safety Certificate?

One of the most important things you must ensure is obtaining a gas safety certificate per the Gas Safety Regulations (Installation and Use) 1998. You must understand that not getting the certificate within the time frame specified could land you in trouble.

To stay on the safe side of the law and keep the property safe, you need to know how often you should seek a gas safety certificate. To help point you in the right direction, we have prepared the ultimate post just for you. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in.

What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?

Before we take a close look at how often you should obtain a a gas safety certificate, you need to have a better understanding of the certificate and its purpose.

Also known as the gas safe register certificate, it is a legal record that declares that all of the gas fittings and appliances in a property are safe. Landlords who rent out their properties must obtain this certificate and provide a copy to their tenants.

Why Is a Gas Safe Register Certificate Important?

As you already know, gas is an essential resource that can be extremely dangerous if not handled with care. Hazardous accidents can be caused by gas which can damage property and result in injuries. There is even a possibility of fatalities which could land you in court.

With 60 people dying from carbon monoxide poisoning on average in England and Wales alone, according to the NHS, it is crucial to prevent gas-related accidents. Otherwise, irreversible destruction would ensue. Even if people manage to survive, they would have to deal with long-term health issues.

The fact is that carbon monoxide poisoning and active explosions have serious consequences. Faulty gas appliances are responsible for as much as 34% of all deaths in the United Kingdom. Hence, you simply cannot afford to overlook the inspection. It makes all the difference.

Types of Landlord Gas Safety Certificates

To determine how often you need to hire an expert for a gas safety inspection, you should determine which type of landlord you are from the following.

1.Residential Landlord

As the name suggests, a residential landlord is someone who rents out buildings like rooming houses, dormitories, homes, hostels, complexes, and flats. If you are a domestic landlord, you must obtain the certificate every 12 months.

2.Commercial Landlord

If you have a commercial property that you have rented out to a tenant, you are also required to obtain the certificate every year in order to comply with the regulations. It would ensure that the renters remain safe. Commercial properties include just about every place of business, such as a shop, retail outlet, pharmacy, office buildings, restaurants, etc.

3.New Landlord

If you have recently renovated or built property and have rented it out, you would have to get the certificate as long as a flueless gas appliance has been installed like a hob. You are responsible for ensuring that you rent out a safe property to tenants.

What Should Landlords Keep in Mind?

There are three primary responsibilities of landlords.

• A gas-safe registered engineer must be hired to perform the annual gas safety check. You have to ensure that every appliance is adequately checked so that nothing goes wrong.
• You also need to get a copy of the gas safety record and provide it to your tenant so that the tenant knows when the following checks should be conducted. It is necessary that you give a copy of the latest certificate to tenants when they first move in or within 28 days of the most recent check.
• In addition to the above, landlords must maintain the chimneys, flues, pipework, and appliances. You can go through the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to find out if the appliances need the required service. Also, the duct and boiler have to be checked separately.

What Is the Cost of a Gas Certificate?

Although gas certificate cost varies depending on where you live and the size of your property, as well as the number of gas appliances you own, you can expect to spend anywhere from £40 to £100. However, it might even cost you more, especially if you own a commercial property. But it is worth it.

Takeaway

After you have reviewed the post, you will know how often you should get a gas safety certificate. Make sure that you obtain the certificate within the time frame specified to avoid paying any fines. As a gas safety check prevents serious accidents, you should not wait long to get your property inspected. You must only hire a gas safe registered engineer for the job as required by law.