Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who leases out a portion or all of their home must obtain a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures all appliances are safe, and comply with the laws.
Landlords also need to keep the records of all inspections. This is useful in the event that they decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue a gas safety cp12 certificate to any person renting out the property that has gas piping at least once per year. Landlords are required to provide the certificates to new tenants at the beginning of the tenancy and keep copies of any subsequent inspections for as long as they own the property.
Landlords who don't adhere to the law put their tenants at risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning and could face possible legal action. They also risk losing the insurance coverage for landlords.
Engineers require access to a property to conduct the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate . They also must be aware of the model and brand of each appliance as well as access to the manufacturer specifications. Engineers should also be able to verify that each appliance functions correctly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment is in good condition.
Any problems identified during the inspection would be recorded on the CP12 and suggested solutions. If the issues are not corrected, a subsequent inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued after the problem is resolved. The date when the next inspection is due will be included on the CP12 and must be scheduled quickly to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorised to complete an assessment and issue the gas safety certificate. Landlords can look online for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer who offers competitive rates and a reliable service to ensure their tenants are protected from dangerous gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following a thorough inspection of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and other appliances in a home. This certificate is an essential element of a landlord's responsibilities under UK law and helps ensure that all tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords that do not adhere to the law can face severe penalties including penalties like fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 is a detailed document that lists all of the gas appliances that are in the property as well as the specific information about each inspection, as well as any issues that were discovered. The document also includes the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was completed. Landlords must provide all tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before the tenant moves into.
When selecting the Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection It is crucial to select a qualified professional with the experience and reputation needed to provide an extensive examination. The most reliable method of confirming the credentials of an engineer is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number as well as the kinds of work they are able to carry out. It's also an excellent idea to look up reviews and recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, including penalties like fines or even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 could result in the cancellation of landlords' insurance policies, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. To minimize the risk, the best strategy 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 document that certifies that the gas appliances inside the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every property they lease to tenants. A CP12 provides details about the inspection, such as whether each appliance was passed or failed, and the work required to bring them up to standard. This informs tenants of what they are getting from a rental property, and can help stop landlords from incurring unanticipated expenses if there's an issue.
A landlord must provide an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days after the inspection. They should also keep records to use for their own reference. Landlords must also renew their CP12 prior to its expiration or else they could face being fined or even a criminal prosecution.
Achieving a CP12 isn't only a legal requirement, but it's also crucial for the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will reveal any potential issues with the gas supply to your rental property or appliances, so that they can be dealt with before they become a bigger issue.
If you're looking to get a CP12 then you can locate an engineer registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vans. It's also worth contacting the CORGI's governing body CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is fully registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize an efficient landlord software program like Klipboard, which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and effortlessly in the field without needing to keep track of bulky pads of paper. They can also set up service reminders to send out notifications to their clients when their next check is due.
How long are they expected to last?
When a landlord completes the CP12 and passes it the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of inspection. It is crucial that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and to ensure that their certificate doesn't expire. If it does then the landlord is in violation of the law and could be subject to a fine.
There are a variety of reasons landlords fail to renew their CP12. One of the most common reasons is because they forget. This isn't an excuse. The best option is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due and schedule it immediately.
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. If the problem is not fixed immediately, they may be unable to rent their property or even lose their gas supply.
Gas Safe Register, which is operated by the UK Health and Safety Executive, registers all engineers who are authorised for CP12 inspections and issues gas safety certificates. You can see the logo of this official organisation on the uniforms and vans of their businesses. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when you book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to look up their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure of their status.
Where can I buy one?
A CP12 is only issued by an engineer registered on the Gas Safe Register. This ensures that the engineer is qualified to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails to pass the test the engineer will inform the landlord and recommend any needed repairs before a new certificate can be issued. Landlords are required to give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days following the inspection.
A valid CP12 is vital to the health and safety of tenants. It also places the landlord in breach of the law. Faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They also can cause explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely emitted out of the home, thereby increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check can help reduce the risk, since any issues that need to be addressed will be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals of the manufacturer, landlords are also responsible for the annual maintenance of gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. The landlords must also keep a record of the maintenance work carried out.
Fortunately, with the help of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these important tasks is much easier for landlords. Whether this is by setting a reminder to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that their tenants receive an accurate and up-to date CP12 within the timeframe required. This helps avoid the fines and disruption that can come from not observing the law.