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The Importance of Landlord Certificates

Energy Performance, Gas Safety and Electrical Safety Certificates, together with procedures such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, are legal requirements. As such, failure to comply with the regulations can result in legal action against the landlord. It is a criminal offence to knowingly or unknowingly fail to obtain these certificates.

Regardless of the size of the property, the length of tenancy or the number of tenants, landlords are legally obliged to comply. Ignorance is not considered an excuse, and hefty fines can result from a failure to meet these requirements.

Here at Aquaworks, we can help with the process of getting your property certified with gas safety certificates, which are among the following key landlord certificates legally required to rent out a property.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
This has been required since October 2008 and, once obtained, is valid for 10 years. Local councils check for these and can impose a £200 fine for failure to comply.

Gas Safety Certificate
Under the Gas Safety Regulations 1994, the landlord is required to arrange yearly safety checks by a qualified professional on all gas appliances from the time of installation.

A safety record must be kept, and all traders who carry out work on appliances must be Gas Safe registered.

Breach of regulations is a criminal offence that carries a fine of up to £25,000, can invalidate insurance cover and can lead to serious prosecution in the case of an accident.

Electrical Safety Certificate
Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which fall under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, landlords are required to ensure equipment is safe, though they are not required to have professional checks done.

If you’re a landlord who is looking to rent out a property, or perhaps already renting out a property, then the significance and importance of having the necessary certification can’t be stressed enough. Thankfully, here at Aquaworks, we are fully accredited and able provide landlord certificates for gas safety for everything from the gas supply and appliances, to flow and ventilation.

If work needs to be carried out to make the property safe, then we can also undertake this – saving you time and money. For more information on our services, simply call us today on 01234 822 800 or contact us using our website’s online contact form.