Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Any person who rents out a part or all of their property has to be issued a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures all appliances are safe and in compliance with the laws.
Landlords should also keep a record for every inspection. This will be useful if the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who rents out properties that have gas piping must be legally required to have it inspected and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once a year. Landlords are required to present the certificates to tenants on the start of a tenancy. They must also keep copies of any subsequent inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who don't comply with the law are placing their tenants at risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning, and are facing possible legal actions. They also run the risk of losing their landlord insurance.
To conduct an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate engineers need access to the property as well as the complete details of all appliances that require checking and the make and model information for each appliance, as well as access to the manufacturer's specifications. The engineers must also be able to verify that each appliance is operating properly and that all fittings and pipework are in good order and safely secured.
Any problems identified during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and the suggested remedies. If the issues cannot be corrected, a further inspection will be needed and a new certificate will be issued once the problem is resolved. The date that the next inspection is scheduled will be noted on the CP12 and must be scheduled promptly to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can complete an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can look on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should select an engineer with competitive rates and a reliable service to ensure their tenants are protected from potentially dangerous gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 is a certificate issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following an inspection thorough of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings at a property. This certificate is an essential element of a landlord's responsibilities under UK law and helps ensure that tenants live in a safe and healthy environment. Landlords who do not follow the law may face severe penalties including fines and prison.
The CP12 is a comprehensive document that contains all the gas appliances that are in the property as well as the specific details of each inspection and any issues that were discovered. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who conducted the test and their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. Landlords must provide all tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before a new tenant moves into.
It is crucial to choose an Gas Safe registered professional to conduct an CP12 exam. The person you choose should have the expertise and experience to conduct a thorough examination. The most reliable method of confirming an engineer's credentials is to examine their Gas Safe ID card, which contains their registration number and the type of work they are able to do. You can also read reviews and recommendations by other landlords.
Landlords who do not maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of severe legal penalties, such as fines and even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 can lead to the cancellation of landlords' insurance policies which could leave them financially vulnerable in the case of a gas-related event. To reduce the risk the best option is to schedule regular inspections by an Gas Safe engineer to ensure that your properties are all equipped with CP12s.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is a valid document that confirms that the gas appliances within a property have been properly tested for safety. It is legal for landlords to get and maintain one for each building they rent out to tenants. A CP12 provides details about the inspection, such as whether each appliance was passed or failed, as well as the work required to bring them up to standards. This lets tenants know what they can expect when renting the property, and also helps prevent unexpected costs for the landlord if an issue arises.
A landlord must provide an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days of the inspection. They should also keep records to use for their own reference. Landlords must also renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires, or they could face being fined or even a criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate isn't just legal, but it is also essential for your tenants' health and well-being. A CP12 certificate will reveal any issues that could arise regarding the gas supply and appliances in your rental property, which can be fixed before they become bigger issues.
If you're interested in getting a CP12 then you can locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe online. You can recognize them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms as well as on their service vehicles. It's also worth checking with the authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is licensed to conduct CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a streamlined landlord software solution like Klipboard, which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and conveniently in the field, without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also create service reminders that send out notifications to their clients when their next check is due.
How long do they last? for?
If a landlord is able to complete the CP12 and is able to pass it, the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. This is why it's vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate doesn't run out. If it does it, the landlord is breaking the law and could face a fine.
There are a variety of reasons why landlords might not receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most common reasons is that they do not remember. This is not an excuse. The most effective way to handle this is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due, and then make it a point to schedule it right away.
It is also important to remember that there is no grace period when it comes to a CP12 and any landlord who fails to renew their certificate prior to the expiry date will be in breach of the law. This could mean that they won't be able to let their property and may even be in danger of losing their gas supply off if the problem isn't resolved immediately.
All engineers who are authorised to conduct CP12 inspections and issue gas safety certificates are registered with the Gas Safe Register which operates on behalf of the UK Health and Safety Executive. You will see the logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their firms. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required to book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to search their details on the Gas Safe Register if you are ever unsure of their status.
Where can I purchase one?
Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This assures that the engineer is fully competent to conduct an extensive inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails the check, the engineer will warn the landlord and suggest any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. The landlord must give an original copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the inspection taking place.
Invalid CP12 poses significant dangers to health and safety for tenants, as well as putting the landlord in violation of the law. Not only can faulty appliances produce carbon monoxide, which is colourless and odourless, but they also can cause explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely being ejected out of the home, thereby increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help to minimize the risks, as any issues that need to be addressed can be dealt with promptly. In accordance with the directions or manuals of the manufacturer landlords are also accountable to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. The landlord should also keep a record of the maintenance work they carry out.
With the aid of software that is free for landlords such as BOXT, it is simpler to keep track of these important tasks. Whether this is by setting an alarm to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that their tenants get an accurate and up-to date CP12 within the required timeframe. In the end, this will help avoid the fines and disruption that can come from not following the law.