Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler services are vital for responsible homeownership and property management. Both require a skilled, Gas Safe registered engineer inspecting your property's gas appliances to ensure they are in compliance with governmental safety regulations.
Landlords have a legal obligation to provide these services and checks in the properties they rent. Tenants are able to request these documents as well to determine if their house has been examined.
Legal Requirements
There are no legal requirements for homeowners to possess a gas safety certification but it is recommended. The inspection can help to ensure that potential buyers are at ease knowing that the home is safe and functioning well, which can increase the chances of selling. A gas safety inspection can also identify potential problems, such as leaks and malfunctions. This can save you money on your energy costs over the long term.
Landlords are legally required to undergo a gas safety test every year and receive an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure all gas appliances and installation are safe to use and in line with applicable regulations. Landlords also need to keep a record of all inspections carried out.
A valid CP12 must clearly indicate the address of the property, as well as the name and registration number of the person who performed the inspection, and a concise description of all gas appliances that were inspected. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner and the current state of the appliance (e.g. suitable for use) must also be stated.
Ideally, boilers are placed in rooms that are isolated from the rest of the building with non-combustible materials and a minimum of a two-hour fire resistance rating. This is to safeguard against fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces that are located close to repair shops for automobiles or public garages must be located in designated rooms.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord that a boiler is unsafe and request permission to shut off gas supply. Landlords should be willing to take this action in the event they are concerned about their tenants' safety and health.
In the case of a breakdown to a boiler, landlords must ensure that tenants are aware of the expected duration of repairs, as well as any other arrangements. This isn't just legal, but it also demonstrates good communication and promotes positive landlord-tenant relationships.
Regular boiler maintenance can boost the efficiency of your boiler, as well as reduce carbon emissions. This is a key element in reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact. The maintenance and inspection can also reveal any issues that could cause a breakdown of the boiler, which could have a major impact on the safety of the boiler and also on the cost.
Benefits
If you're a landlord, then it is your responsibility to ensure that the gas appliances in your rental properties are safe to use. This can be done by scheduling regular gas safety and boiler inspections. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and also make the property more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords in the UK to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all their appliances and installations. This is a requirement that must be fulfilled every year to ensure the security of the appliances for tenants. If you don't have a CP12 and you are not a CP12, you could face massive fines or risk having your appliances removed from the rental property.
A gas safety check involves a thorough examination of the appliances and their installations to determine if they're functioning properly and safely. The engineer will check the external casing, internal components, pipes and flues for indications of leaks or damage. They will also examine the burner gas pressure and ensure there's enough ventilation and check the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety test will be recorded on a gas certificate, which will contain the details of every appliance and installation that was tested, as well as whether it passed or failed the safety test. The engineer will inform you whether the appliance is in compliance with current standards (NCS) immediately dangerous (ID) or at risk (AR). Appliances that fail the test are listed on the certificate and need to be repaired or replaced in the shortest time feasible.
The advantages of a boiler maintenance are similar to the gas safety inspection and can save you money by identifying any problems before they become serious. The maintenance of your boiler can also help increase the efficiency of the heating system, which could result in lower energy bills and a reduction in carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in extending the life of the heating system and decrease the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To obtain an Gas Safety Certificate, it is important that landlords ensure all their gas appliances are in good working order and safe. This can help prevent injuries and accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 is not just legally required, but it also helps to increase the value of properties as potential tenants will be assured the home is secure.
A CP12 is an official document that outlines the results of an extensive inspection by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. This will inspect all appliances in the property and check for gas leaks, ensuring there is sufficient ventilation, as well as ensuring that the safety devices are in good working order and more. The cost of a CP12 can vary depending on the size of the property and the number of appliances and the location. Costs are higher in large cities and towns.
The cost of boiler service will vary based on the amount of appliances to be checked. However, as a general guideline an average boiler service usually costs between PS60 and PS120 and will include an inspection, cleaning, and minor parts replacement. Many Landlord boiler protection plans provide an annual boiler service as part of the package, helping to cut down on these costs.

If you need to replace or repair an appliance an engineer will test it once the work is done to make sure it's safe to use. To avoid further accidents or injuries any appliance deemed 'immediately hazardous' must be repaired as soon as is possible.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be in a position to issue an authentic CP12 for all the gas appliances within your home including the boiler. Additionally, they can conduct a full boiler service and repairs, ensuring your heating system in top condition. You should be aware that if your boiler's warranty isn't valid, it may be due to the fact that it doesn't have an annual boiler maintenance. Therefore, it is crucial to locate a reputable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry these vital services.
Getting Started
When it comes to boiler services and gas safety certificates, landlords and homeowners alike are often confused as to what the process entails. A gas safety certificate is a formal document that confirms your appliances are safe for use. A boiler service is maintenance and inspection on your heating system.
The process of obtaining both is fairly straightforward, and it can be done easily by calling a Gas Safe registered engineer. Request to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him to enter your property. This is an excellent evidence that he is qualified and has the right qualifications and accreditations.
Once what is a landlord gas safety certificate registered engineer has completed their safety inspection and has passed their safety check, they will issue you with a gas safety certificate. The certificate will include details about all appliances that were checked as well as the date of the inspection as well as the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords should keep a copy of the certificate in case they need to prove that their heating system is functioning properly when they are selling or renting their home.
In the course of a boiler maintenance engineer will examine the flow rate and pressure of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is constant and that there are no leaks or issues with your appliances. how long does a gas safety certificate last will also inspect your flues and ventilation to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Additionally the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal components which will help improve efficiency and minimise the possibility of costly repairs in the near future.
The engineer will inform you if they find any problems that could pose danger and ask you to take steps. If the issue is serious, they may recommend that you stop using your appliances until they have been repaired.
Both a gas safety certificate and boiler service are essential to keep your home warm and secure, so it's essential to have both services scheduled annually. It is illegal to rent your property out without a Gas Safety Certificate if you're a landlady. To make the process simpler, you can book both gas safety certificates as well as boiler service through BOXT's Home Cover plans.