Are you letting your new property and need a Gas Safe certificate in Leeds?
It has taken me 14 years of working with landlords around Leeds to see too many landlords rush at the last minute to get their rental properties Gas Safe certified.
Are you renting out your first buy to let property in Hyde Park or adding a new property to your existing portfolio in Leeds Cookridge?
Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Order your Gas Safe certificate today. Call Steve directly on 0113 513 5130 or 07791 586 147. No sales pressure, just honest advice from someone who knows Leeds heating inside and out.
We do more than just comply with legislation, we look after your tenants and investment. Here’s everything you need to know about Gas Safe certificates.
Gas Safe certificates Explained
A Gas Safe certificate otherwise known as CP12 (Combustion Performance-12) is a legal requirement that ensures all appliances, flues and pipework in your rental property is safe to use. They aren’t optional forms that you can pick and choose whether you complete.
Helping landlords around Leeds get their rental properties Gas Safe certified has allowed me to see it all. Older properties with original gas fires through to standard modern builds with combi boilers. Every gas appliance you own within the property needs to be certified annually.
Included in a Gas Safe certificate are:
- Gas boilers & heating systems
- Gas fires and stoves
- Gas cookers and hobs
- Gas water heaters
- Gas pipework and connections
- Flues and ventilation systems
Gas Safe certificates Legally Required?
Annual Gas Safe certificates are a legal requirement for landlords in Leeds. Every property you let that has a gas supply or gas appliances will need a current Gas Safe certificate.
To put it bluntly, if you let a property with gas appliances or a gas supply as a landlord in Leeds then you are legally required to have a Gas Safe certificate.
As a Leeds landlord you should know the following;
- Landlords are required to have an annual Gas Safe certificate.
- Landlords must give current copies to new tenants within 28 days of moving in. Existing tenants must be provided with new certificates within 28 days of the annual check.
- Certificates must be kept for 2 years from the date they were completed.
- New tenancies require a Gas Safe certificate to be completed before any tenant moves in.
- The fines for not having a valid Gas Safe certificate can be unlimited fines and 6 months imprisonment.
- Not having a valid certificate can invalidate your buildings insurance policy.
- You will not be able to issue Section 21 notices without valid certificates.
What is included in a Gas Safe check?
When visiting Leeds properties to complete Gas Safe checks I take the following process. Depending on the size of the property and number of appliances being checked it can take anywhere from 1hr to 3hrs.
Visual inspections are made to all gas appliances to ensure they are safe to use. Checking all pipework, appliance are undamaged and showing no signs of wear or corruption.
Operational check is made to all appliances to ensure they ignite correctly and are working order. Checking all thermostat controls, valves and safety devices.
Flues are checked with specialist gas safe equipment to check all gas emissions are correct and appliances are burning correctly. Pipework is checked with electronic gas appliances to highlight any gas leaks.
All joints will be checked to ensure they are tight.
Safety devices are tested to ensure they will operate correctly if an emergency occurs. Once completed the whole gas installation is pressure tested to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Gas Safe registered engineers will check all appliances, flues and pipework in Leeds to ensure they are safe to use.
Results are provided on the day in most cases, if any repairs are required then you will get your Gas Safe certificate within 28 days of the appliances being made safe.
How Much Do Gas Safe Certificates Cost in Leeds?
Gas Safe certificates in Leeds cost on average £55–£95 plus VAT. Most landlords standard residential property.
The price will vary depending on:
- Size of the property.
- The amount of appliances being checked.
- If access is an issue – e.g., landlords have to arrange multiple visits due to tenants being in etc.
- Any remedial works required – if I find any Gas Safe issues during your inspection they will need addressing before I can issue your certificate. Any work will of course increase the price.
- The area your property is located – Inner Leeds properties may be slightly more expensive than those out of town due to travel time.
How long does a Gas Safe certificate last?
Gas Safe certificates are valid for 12 months. I would advise always booking your next inspection 4-6 weeks before your expiration date. That way you don’t run the risk of going over your dates and you have plenty of time to get any works done should I find anything on your report.
Who should I use for Gas Safe certificates?
Gas Safe Registered engineers like us at S Fearn Plumbing & Heating.
The service must be qualified and Gas Safe registered. Always check any engineers qualifications on the Gas Safe Register website before booking your appointment.
Some notes to bear in mind when choosing a gas engineer;
Local – Try and use someone who has experience working on similar properties in Leeds.
Engineering & Repairs – Some gas engineers will just certify, it’s always worth finding someone who can also carry out any repairs or maintenance should the need arise.
Professional – Any gas engineer should provide you with a detailed report of findings and explain things you can do to help keep appliances running smoothly.
Available – Good engineers will always have space for routine inspections as well as emergency call-outs.
How long does a Gas Safe check take?
Gas Safe inspections can usually be carried out with 48-72 hours notice, although emergency calls can be arranged should the need arise. Lets will need access to all rooms containing gas appliances. I always allow tenants to decide when is best to carry out the appointment to minimize disruption.
Inspections can take anywhere from 1hr for smaller properties. 1-2 hours is average for three bed properties. If you own a large property with multiple gas appliances expect the engineer to take longer.
Results will be provided on the day for most properties. Should any repairs be required then your Gas Safe certificate will be issued within 28 days of the property being made safe.
Typical problems I find during gas safety checks
Unfortunately I do come across gas appliances that fail their yearly safety checks. During my years of visiting Leeds rental properties I have come across the following:
- Old gas appliances, many landlords love their older gas fires, unfortunately some of these don’t make the safety standard tests.
- Blocked or poor ventilation. Sometimes tenants try and be smart or even accidentally block off ventilation leading to gas appliances.
- Illegal gas appliances. I often find appliances that have been installed by ‘friends’ or ‘family’ with no qualifications.
- Years without a service. Annual services from a qualified engineer stops most problems, however I still find appliance’s that haven’t been serviced in years.
- External flues. In Leeds external flues can become damaged over time. Broken or damaged flues are a major carbon monoxide risk.
Save yourself a fine by getting your Gas Safe certificate completed today.
Not only do Gas Safe certificates keep your tenants safe but they also provide you with;
- Discounts on insurance.
- Protection from claims.
- Happy tenants and higher rental yields.
- Maintained property value.
- Peace of mind.
Don’t wait until the last minute to get your Gas Safe certificate.
Book your Gas Safe certificate in Leeds today
If your looking for a Gas Safe registered engineer to complete your Gas Safe certificates in Leeds. Then look no further than myself Steve.
I have been carrying out Gas Safe certificates around Leeds for over 14 years. If you would like some peace of mind that your tenants are safe and your property is compliant then give me a call today.
You can contact Steve directly on 0113 513 5130 or 07791 586 147.
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