Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
A gas safety certificate and boiler service is a critical element of responsible homeownership as well as property management. Both require a skilled, Gas Safe registered engineer inspecting your property's gas appliances to ensure compliance with safety regulations set by the government.
Landlords are legally required to provide these services and checks in the properties that they rent. Tenants are able to request these documents as well to verify if their property has been inspected.
Legal Requirements
There are no current legal requirements for homeowners to possess a gas safety certification, although it is strongly recommended. The inspection could help put prospective buyers' minds at ease knowing that the home is safe and working properly, which may increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety inspection also aids in identifying any issues that may require addressed, like leaks or malfunctions, and can save you money on energy costs in the long term.
Landlords are required to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo a gas safety inspection every year prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installation are safe to use and in line with applicable regulations. Landlords are also required to keep a log on all inspections.
A valid CP12 must clearly indicate the address along with the name, address and registration number of the engineer who performed the inspection. It should also contain a description of all the gas appliances inspected. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the upper-right corner, and the current status of the appliance (e.g. suitable for use) must be clearly stated.
Ideally, boilers are housed in rooms that are isolated from the other parts of the building using non-combustible materials and a minimum two-hour flame resistance rating. This will help prevent explosions and fires aswell as carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and heaters near garages or auto repair shops must be kept in a separate room.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord if the boiler is in danger and request permission to shut off the gas supply. Landlords should be willing to take this action when they are concerned about their tenants' health and safety.
In the event of a breakdown of the boiler, landlords should make sure their tenants know the anticipated timeframe for repairs and any other options. This is not just a legal requirement, but helps in establishing good communication and positive landlord/tenant relationships.
In addition to making sure tenants are safe, regular boiler services can also help improve the efficiency of boilers and decrease carbon emissions. This is an important factor in reducing the cost of energy and environmental impact.
do homeowners need a gas safety certificate and maintenance can also uncover any problems that could cause an unplanned boiler breakdown that could have a significant impact on safety and cost.

Benefits
It is your obligation as a landlord to ensure the safety of gas appliances in your rental property. The best way to do this is to arrange regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure your tenants' safety, as well as making the property more appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords in the UK are required to possess the Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for each of their gas appliances and installations. It is an obligation that is legally required and must be renewed annually to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. If you do not have a CP12 or CP12A, you could be facing hefty fines or even risk being evicted from the rental property.
Gas safety checks include an in-depth inspection of the appliances as well as their installation and operation to determine if they're operating safely and correctly. The engineer will check the external casing as well as the internal components, flue and pipes for any indications of leaks or damage. They will also examine the burner gas pressure, make sure there's adequate ventilation, and test the safety devices.
The results of a gas safety inspection are recorded on a certification. The certificate will contain details about each appliance and installation tested, along with whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will indicate whether the appliance is conforming to current standards (NCS) immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that do not pass the test are listed on the certificate and should be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.
A boiler service is similar to an inspection for gas safety in that it can help you save money by identifying issues before they become serious. A boiler service can also boost the efficiency of your heating system. This could result in lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of the heating system, and also reduce the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To be eligible for a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) it is crucial for landlords to ensure all their gas appliances are secure and in good in good working order. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 is not only required by law however, it can also help to improve the value of homes since potential tenants will be assured the home is safe.
A CP12 document is a legal document that details the results of a thorough Gas Safe inspection. It will inspect the appliances inside a house. It will also make sure that the ventilation is adequate and ensure that failsafes are working correctly. The cost of a CP12 varies depending on the size and number of appliances present in the home. In general the price will be higher in larger cities or towns.
Boiler service costs can also differ and depend on how many appliances need to be inspected. As a general rule the boiler service should cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning, and minor replacement of parts. Landlord boiler protection plans typically include an annual boiler maintenance service as part of their package. This helps to lower costs.
The engineer will test the appliance after it has been repaired or replaced to ensure it is safe for use. To avoid further accidents or injuries any appliance considered to be 'immediately dangerous' must be repaired as quickly as is possible.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to provide you with a valid CP12 for all your gas appliances in your home including the boiler. Additionally, they will provide a complete boiler service and repairs, ensuring that your heating system in good shape. It is important to note that if you do not perform a boiler maintenance every year, your boiler warranty may be invalidated. It is therefore important to find an engineer that is registered with Gas Safe for these vital services.
Getting Started
When it is about boiler services and gas safety certificates, homeowners and landlords alike are often confused as to what the process entails. A gas safety certificate is a legal document that certifies your appliances as safe to use. A boiler service is a maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
Contacting an Gas Safe registered technician is an easy way to find both. Always request to look up the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing them access to your property, as this is a great indicator that they hold the appropriate qualifications and accreditations.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you an official certificate of gas safety once they have completed their safety checks. This will include the details of all the appliances that were inspected and the date the inspection was carried out and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords are also required to keep a copy on the file in case they require proof that their heating system meets standards when selling or renting their property.
In the course of a boiler maintenance the engineer will inspect the pressure and flow rate of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is consistent and that there aren't any leaks or problems with your appliances. They will also inspect your flues and ventilation to ensure they're functioning correctly. In addition, the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal components that can help increase efficiency and decrease the possibility of costly repairs in the near future.
If the engineer detects issues that may be dangerous, they will inform you and ask you to resolve the problem. If the problem is serious they might suggest that you stop using your appliances until they have been fixed.
Both a gas safety certification and boiler service are essential to keep your home warm and secure, so it's essential to schedule both each year. It is illegal to rent your property out without the Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlord. To make the process simpler you can arrange for both gas safety certificates and boiler service through BOXT's Home Protection packages.