When investing in buy-to-let, you can’t always be sure when the appliances and pipework in the property were last serviced and checked, but it does not need to be that way. Before parting with your money, ensure that the property is gas safe with this checklist of tips provided by Gas Safe Register:
+ Ask the vendor for the property’s Gas Safety Record. This will show when a Gas Safe registered professional checked the property’s gas appliances and installation pipework.
+ If they are unsure about this, you have the law on your side. Under the Building Regulations act, local authorities must be informed about the installation of heat producing gas appliances in a home. It’s a seller’s responsibility to have a copy of the Building Regulations certificate.
+ If a Gas Safety Record is unable to be provided, do it yourself. Book a Gas Safe registered professional to inspect all gas appliances in the property before you agree to buy.
+ The most common heat producing appliances are boilers, water heaters, gas fires, flued cooking ranges and warm air heaters.
+ Check for the presence of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the property. Check that they are working.