Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who rents out part or all of their property has to obtain an CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and in compliance with the laws.
Landlords should also keep records for every inspection. This will come in handy if they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue the gas safety cp12 certification to anyone renting out a property with gas piping at least once per year. The landlord must present the certificates at the beginning of a new tenancy tenants and keep copies as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who do not comply with the law put their tenants in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and may face legal action. They also run the risk of losing their insurance protection for landlords.
To conduct an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers must have access to the premises as well as the complete details of all appliances that need being checked, and the manufacturer and model information for each appliance, along with access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers must also verify that each appliance functions properly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment are in good condition.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and remedies suggested. If the faults cannot be fixed then a further inspection will be required and a new certification will be issued when the issue is fixed. The date that the next inspection is due to be included on the CP12 and must be scheduled in a timely manner to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified to complete an assessment and issue a gas safety certificate. Landlords are able to search online for the Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings in a property. This certificate is a vital part of the landlord's duties under UK law. It assists in ensuring that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to adhere to the law face severe penalties which include fines and even imprisonment.
The CP12 document is a complete list of all gas appliances in the home and provides specific details about each inspection, and any issues that were found. The document also includes the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to give an original copy of CP12 to each tenant within 28 days after their annual inspection, or before a tenant moves in.
It is crucial to choose a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct the CP12 examination. The person you choose should have the expertise and experience to conduct a thorough examination. Checking the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the best method of confirming their credentials. The card contains their registration number and what types of work they're competent to do. It is also a good idea to review and get suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who fail to maintain an active CP12 are subject to severe legal penalties, such as fines and imprisonment. In addition, lack of a CP12 can lead to the cancellation of insurance policies for landlords which could leave them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. The best way to avoiding these risks is to keep all of your properties' CP12s up-to date by scheduling annual inspections with a certified Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that confirms that the gas appliances within the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every property they lease to tenants. A CP12 includes the details of the inspection, such as whether each appliance was passed or failed, and any work required to bring them up to standard. This allows tenants to know what they can expect from a rental property, and helps to stop landlords from incurring unanticipated costs if there is a problem.
A landlord must provide a new tenant with the copy of their CP12 within 28 days of the inspection, as well as keeping records for their personal use. Landlords should also make sure to renew their CP12 before it expires because failing to do so could lead to a penalty fine, or even criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain an CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also crucial for the health and well-being of your tenants. A CP12 certificate will identify any potential problems with the gas supply and appliances in your rental property, which can be fixed before they grow into larger problems.
You can locate a registered engineer online if you are searching for an CP12. You can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vehicles. It's also worth checking with the authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to make sure that your engineer is fully authorized to carry out CP12 inspections.
Another option is to use a streamlined landlord software solution such as Klipboard that allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and easily in the field without needing to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, and automatically notify them when their next inspection is due to be carried out.
How long are they good for?
The certificate issued to a landlord who successfully completes a CP12 is valid for a period of 12 months after the date of the inspection. This is the reason it is vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 checks and to ensure that their certificate doesn't expire. If it doesn't the landlord is fined for breaking the law.
Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords fail to have their CP12 renewed. One of the most common reasons is that they do not remember. This is not a good excuse, and the best option in this case is to politely remind them that their gas safety check is due and plan the check right away.
It is also worth noting that there is no grace period when it comes to a CP12 and any landlord who fails to renew their certificate after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. This could mean they will not be able to let their property and could risk being cut off from gas off if the problem isn't fixed straight away.
All engineers who have been authorized 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. This is an official body and you will be able see their logo on their uniforms as well as on the vans of the companies they work for. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when you book an inspection. This number is unique and is used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where do I get one?
A CP12 is only issued by an engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. This guarantees that the engineer is fully competent to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails the check, the engineer will warn the landlord and recommend any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
Inability to obtain a valid CP12 can pose serious health and safety risks for tenants as well as putting the landlord in breach of the law. Not only do faulty appliances produce carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odourless but they may also cause fires and explosions. Blocked flues can also prevent harmful gases from being safely emitted out of the property which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks will help reduce these risks as any issues can be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals of the manufacturer landlords are also responsible to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. Landlords must also keep a record of all maintenance work.
With the aid of software that is free for landlords such as BOXT, it is much easier to keep track of these important tasks. Whether it's by setting a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure that their tenants get an official CP12 within the specified time. This will help avoid fines and other problems that can arise from failing to follow the law.