Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler services are essential for responsible property management and homeownership. Both require a trained, Gas Safe registered engineer reviewing your home's gas appliances to make sure they are in line with governmental safety regulations.
Landlords are legally required to conduct these checks and services in the properties they rent out. Tenants are able to apply for these documents to check if their home has been examined.
Legal Requirements
There are no legal requirements for homeowners to possess a gas safety certification however it is highly recommended. The inspection could help make buyers feel at ease that the house is safe and functioning correctly, which could increase the likelihood of a sale. A gas safety check also can help identify any issues that may require addressing, such as leaks or poor functionality, and can save you money on energy bills in the long term.
Landlords are legally required to undergo a gas safety inspection every year and obtain a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) prior to renting out properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installation are safe to use and in line with applicable regulations. Landlords also need to keep a record of any checks that are carried out.
do homeowners need a gas safety certificate must clearly identify the address of the property, along with the name and registration number of the person who performed the inspection, as well as an accurate description of the gas appliances inspected. It must also feature the official Gas Safe Register logo in the top right corner, and include the current status of each appliance (e.g., fit to use).
Ideally boilers should be placed in rooms that are isolated from the rest of the building using noncombustible construction, with a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating. This is to protect against fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces that are located close to repair shops for automobiles or public garages must be in dedicated rooms.
Gas engineers will notify the landlord that the boiler is in danger and request permission to shut off gas supply. If they care about the safety of their tenants and health, landlords should be willing to take this action.
In the case of a boiler breaking down landlords must ensure that tenants are informed of the expected duration of repairs and any other alternatives. This is not only legal however, it also shows good communication and promotes positive landlord-tenant relationships.
In addition to making sure tenants are safe regular boiler maintenance can aid in improving boiler efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This is an important factor in reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact. The inspection and maintenance will also uncover any potential issues which could lead to a failure of the boiler, which would have a significant impact on safety and cost.
Benefits
If you're a landlord then it is your responsibility to make sure that the gas appliances in your rental properties are safe to use. The best method to do this is to schedule regular gas safety checks and boiler service. This will ensure the safety of your tenants and also make your property more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.
Landlords are required in the UK to carry a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all their appliances and installations. It is a legal requirement that must be renewed annually to ensure that the appliances are safe for tenants to use. Inability to obtain a CP12 could result in significant penalties and the possibility of having the appliances taken away from your rental property.
Gas safety checks include a thorough inspection of the appliances installed, their location and operation to determine if they are working correctly and safely. The engineer will inspect the casing and internal components of the appliance, as well as the flue, pipes and the external casing for signs of damage or leaks. They will also test for gas pressure on the burner and ensure that there is sufficient ventilation.
The results of a gas safety inspection are documented on a certificate. It will contain information about each appliance and installation tested, along with whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will note the appliance's status as Not to Current Standards (NCS), immediately dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that fail the inspection are noted on the certificate and must be repaired or replaced in the shortest time possible.
The benefits of a boiler servicing are similar to the gas safety inspection, and can help you save money by identifying any problems before they become serious. Boiler servicing also helps to improve the efficiency of your heating system, which can result in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. The annual maintenance can aid in prolonging the lifespan of the heating system and reduce the expense of future repairs.
Costs
In order to receive a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), it is essential for landlords to ensure all their gas appliances are secure and in good condition. This can help to prevent injuries and accidents caused by equipment that is not maintained properly. A CP12 is not only legally required, but it also helps to improve the value of homes since potential tenants will be assured the home is secure.
A CP12 document is a legal document that contains the results of an exhaustive Gas Safe inspection. This will check all the appliances in a property, checking for gas tightness, 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 house as well as the number of appliances, and the location of the property. Prices are higher in big cities and towns.
Boiler service costs may vary and depend on the number of appliances that need to be checked. As a general rule, a boiler service will cost between PS60 and PS120. This includes an inspection, cleaning, and minor replacement of parts. Landlord boiler protection plans typically include annual boiler maintenance program as part of their package. This helps to reduce the cost.
If you are required to replace or repair an appliance, the engineer will test it after the work is complete to ensure it is safe to use. Any appliance deemed to be 'immediately risky is required to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid any further injuries and accidents.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be in a position to issue an authentic CP12 for all gas appliances in your property including the boiler. They can also carry out an entire boiler repair and maintenance to keep your heating system in top condition. It is important to note that if you do not get a boiler service every year, your warranty on your boiler may be invalidated. Therefore, it is essential to locate a reputable engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry these vital services.
Getting Started
Both homeowners and landlords are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate procedure. A gas safety certificate is an official document that confirms your appliances are safe for use. A boiler service is maintenance and inspection of your heating system.

The process for obtaining both is quite simple and is easy to do by contacting an Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see the Gas Safe ID of the engineer before allowing him access to your property. This is an excellent evidence that he is qualified and has the right qualifications and credentials.
The Gas Safe registered engineer will issue you a certificate of safety in gas once they have completed their safety check. The certificate will include details about all appliances that were checked, the date of the inspection, and the Gas Safe registration number of the engineer. Landlords must keep a copy of the certificate in case they require proof that their heating system is up to standard when they sell or renting their property.
During a boiler service, the engineer will test the pressure and flow of gas throughout 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 flue and ventilation to ensure that they are working correctly. Additionally, the gas safe engineer will clean your boiler's internal parts which will help improve efficiency and minimise the chance of costly repairs in the future.
The engineer will inform you when they discover any issues that could be dangerous and will ask you to take steps. If the problem is serious they may suggest that you stop using your appliances until they are fixed.
Booking both a boiler service and gas safety certification annually is vital to keep your home warm and safe. If you're a landlord remember that it's against the law to let out your property without a Gas Safety Certificate. To make the process easier you can arrange for both gas safety certificates and boiler service through BOXT's Home Cover plans.