Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12Any person who rents out a part or all of their home must get a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures that all appliances are safe and comply with the law.
Landlords should also keep a record for all inspections. This will be helpful if the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue a gas safety cp12 certificate to anyone who leases an apartment with gas pipes at least once a year. Landlords need to present the certificates at the start of a new tenancy tenants and keep copies as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who do not adhere to the law place their tenants at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide and may be liable to legal actions. They also risk losing their landlord insurance cover.
To carry out an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers must have access to the premises, full details of all appliances that require being checked, and the manufacturer and model of each appliance, along with access to the specifications of the manufacturer. The engineers must be able to verify that each appliance is operating correctly and that all pipes and fittings are in good order and securely secured.
Any problems found during the inspection will be noted on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the faults cannot be fixed then a further inspection will be needed and a new certificate will be issued once the problem is resolved. The date on which the next inspection is scheduled will be recorded on the CP12 and should be scheduled quickly to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified to complete an assessment and issue an official gas safety certificate. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer with affordable prices and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are protected from deadly gas related issues.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues and mkgassafety fittings within a property. This certificate is a vital element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It assists in ensuring that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not adhere to the law can be punished severely, including penalties like fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 is a detailed document that contains all the gas appliances in the home as well as the specific information about each inspection and any issues discovered. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test, their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. The landlord must provide each tenant with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before the tenant is moved into.
It is essential to select a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct the CP12 exam. This professional should have the expertise and experience to conduct a thorough examination. The best way to verify an engineer's credentials is to examine their Gas Safe ID card, which includes their registration number as well as the type of work they are qualified to carry out. It is also a good idea to review and get suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, which could include fines and even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 could lead to the cancellation of landlords' insurance policies, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related incident. The most effective method for protecting yourself from these risks is to ensure that you keep all of your properties' CP12s current and up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
How do I obtain one?A CP12 is a legal document that proves that the gas appliances within the property have been tested for safety. It is a legal requirement for landlords to obtain and maintain a CP12 for every building they lease out to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection, such as whether each appliance was passed or failed, and the work required to bring them up to standard. This ensures that tenants know what to expect when renting out an apartment or house, and helps to avoid costly expenses for the landlord in the event that an issue arises.
A landlord must give an original copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days following the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords must also renew their CP12 before the expiration date, or they could be subject to being fined or even a criminal prosecution.
Getting a CP12 certificate isn't just an obligation under the law however, it's also essential for your tenants' health and well-being. A CP12 will detect any potential issues in the gas supply of your rental property or appliances, so they can be addressed before they become a bigger issue.
If you're in the market for a CP12 then you can locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniform or that is displayed on their service vans. You should also check with CORGI the organization that regulates the industry (now Gas Safe), to ensure that your engineer is registered 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 easily on the job without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also create service reminders that notify their customers when their next check is due.
How long will they last?
The certificate issued to landlords who have successfully completed a CP12 is valid for a period of 12 months following the date of the inspection. This is why it's essential for landlords to book regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate does not expire. If it does not, the landlord could be punished for breaking the law.
Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords might not get their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent is that they simply forget. This is not a reason to excuse. The most effective way to handle this is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due and plan it as soon as possible.
A CP12 does not come with an extension period. Any landlord who fails renew their certificate after the expiry date is in violation of the law. This could mean they won't be able to rent out their property, and could be in danger of losing their gas supply off if the problem isn't fixed straight away.
All engineers who are 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. You will see the logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their businesses. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when you book an inspection. This registration number is unique and can be used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I get one?
Only those who are registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. This guarantees that the engineer is fully qualified to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will inform the landlord of any appliance that fails the test and recommend that any repairs needed be made before issuing the new certificate. The landlord is required to provide a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the date that the inspection took place.
A valid CP12 is essential for the health and safety of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. Faulty appliances can produce colourless and odourless carbon monoxide. They may also trigger explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely being ejected from the building, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check can help reduce the risk, since any issues that require to be addressed will be addressed quickly. The landlord is also responsible for carrying out annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipes in their rental properties in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or manuals. Landlords should also keep records of the maintenance work they carry out.
With the help of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these vital tasks is much easier for landlords. It doesn't matter if it's 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 timeframe required. This helps avoid the fines and disruption caused by not observing the law.
