Do You Need A Gas Certificate As A Homeowner?

Nobody can stress enough how important gas safety is. CO-Gas safety data states there are around 30 deaths every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, making gas safety checks important to maintaining a safe living environment. 

Whether you are a homeowner, landlord or even a tenant, you must understand the necessity of a gas safety certificate. This article will help you explain the significance of gas safety certificates and their legal obligations. 

Ensuring Gas Safety

Gas is the most common utility that everyone uses in their household. Its main purpose is cooking, heating and other domestic applications. The convenience it offers to human beings cannot be ignored. However, the potential risks involved with improper handling of gas can be greater than the benefits themselves. Gas safety regulations and certifications ensure the safety of individuals and property. 

What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A CP12 certificate or gas safety certs are documents that a registered gas-safety engineer issues to the property or premises. It helps to verify that the gas appliances, as well as the fitting in the household, have been properly checked, tested and deemed safe to use. 

The gas safety certificate also provides assurance that all the gas installations and appliances in the house are in compliance with all the safety standards. It is similar to getting a guarantee from professionals that there is no risk or danger associated with the gas installations in the house.

There are many countries like the United Kingdom, wherein having a gas safety certificate is a legal obligation for both landlords and homeowners. The gas safety certificate must be valid and renewed on an annual basis. Moreover, it must also be reviewed whenever there is a change in tenancy. If the homeowner or landlord fails to comply with these requirements, then they are imposed with heavy fines or penalties. 

What Is the Importance of Gas Safety Checks?

Regular gas safety checks that are done on an annual basis help to identify the crucial places in a household that are dangerous to human health. It also helps in the prevention of any accident that is gas-related. 

By law, only a Gas Safe registered engineer can perform the inspection. During the inspection, they must cover all areas of the house including ventilation, pipework, and flues. They must also check if there is any leakage, faulty fitting, or lack of combustion in any of the rooms. Early detection of these faults can help in carrying out preventive repairs so that the people in the house can continue living safely in their homes.

Do I Require a Gas Safety Certificate as a Homeowner?

Yes, as a homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring that all the gas appliances and fittings in your house are safe for the occupants. Acquiring this certificate helps your mind relax a bit regarding any safety issues your house may have. By law, a homeowner can get their safety checks done on an annual basis but it is not mandatory for them.

Do You Need a Gas Safety Certificate to Sell Your House?

It has been clearly stated, that landlords require gas safety certificates for all properties on rent. However, some people still question if they need a gas safety certificate if they are selling their house. The answer to this question is No, you do not need a gas safety certificate when selling the house as per the laws of the UK.

Some people also ask whether a gas safety certificate is required in case a boiler is installed on the property. The answer remains the same. There is no legal binding to get your house gas safety certificates in such a case. Therefore, getting safety checks done as a homeowner is a moral obligation rather than a legal one. 

Who Is Legally Responsible to Get a Gas Safety Certificate?

If your property is on rent and you are a landlord of that premises, then you are legally obligated to carry out gas inspections on an annual basis. The engineer must issue a gas safety certificate that requires renewal every 12 months. After a year, the gas certificate expires, and you will need to get a new one. 

The landlord is also responsible for providing copies of these gas safety certificates to the tenants. Remember to stay active and observant when there is a gas safety check at your home. You can require your tenants to leave the property for some time during the inspection. 

What Is the Importance of Gas a Safety Certificate as a Homeowner?

Let’s see why getting a gas safety certificate is a good step to take as a homeowner:

  • A gas safety certificate helps to build credibility that your house and all the gas appliances in the house are safely installed.
  • The gas safety certificate will prove that the boiler on the property is safe to use and will not pose any harm to the residents. 
  • The document is physical proof that you are a law-abiding citizen and are following all the rules of safety regulations.
  • The certificate shows you as a safety-conscious human being who values the safety of the community more than anything. 
  • It helps protect you from any type of gas-related accident that can occur after you sell your property.

What is a Gas Safe Register?

A Gas Safe Register is the official website where you can find out which of the gas safety engineers are registered by the government. Here is how you can check that you have hired a Registered gas-safe engineer;

  • Verify their gas-safe registration through their ID cards.
  • Read reviews from previous clients and check if people are recommending them
  • Request for a written quote so that you have an idea of the estimated costs for a gas inspection of your home.

The Takeaway

A safety inspection is the first and most important responsibility of a homeowner and landlord, especially in the UK. All types of safety hazards are a part of it, whether it involves gas or any other utilities. The relevant rules and regulations by the gas safe register help to ensure that the property on rent is satisfactory for tenants to use.