Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who rents out part or all of their home must obtain a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe, and in compliance with the law.
Landlords should also keep records of all inspections. This will be helpful if the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone renting out a property that has gas piping must be legally required to have it examined and a gas safety certificate cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once each year. gas safe installation certificate must provide the certificates to prospective tenants at the beginning of the tenancy and keep copies of any future inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who do not comply with the law put their tenants in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and could be subject to legal action. They also run the risk of losing their landlord insurance.
Engineers require access to the premises to conduct the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They must also be aware of the model and brand of each appliance as well as access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers must also confirm that every appliance is operating correctly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment are in good condition.
Any issues that are discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and solutions will be suggested. If the faults cannot be corrected, another inspection is required and a new certificate will be issued once the issue is fixed. The date on which the next inspection is due to be recorded on the CP12 and must be scheduled in a timely manner to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorized to conduct an assessment and issue an official gas safety certificate. Landlords can look on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should select an engineer that offers competitive rates and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are protected from potentially deadly gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 is a document issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following an extensive inspection of all gas appliances, fittings, and flues at a property. This certificate is a vital part of the landlord's obligations under UK law. It helps to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to follow the law are subject to severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 document is a complete listing of all gas appliances located in the property, as well as specific information about every inspection and any issues that were identified. The document also includes the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test, their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. Landlords must provide an original copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days following their annual inspection or before a tenant moves into.
It is essential to select a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct a CP12 examination. The person you choose should have the expertise and experience to provide a thorough inspection. The most reliable method of confirming an engineer's credentials is to check their Gas Safe ID card, which includes their registration number and the kinds of work they're qualified to do. It's also recommended to read reviews and suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of hefty legal penalties, such as penalties like fines or even imprisonment. In addition, lack of a CP12 can lead to the cancellation of insurance policies for landlords, leaving them financially vulnerable in the case of a gas-related event. The most effective strategy for protecting yourself from these risks is to ensure that you keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a licensed Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that proves that the gas appliances inside the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every building they rent to tenants. A CP12 contains the details of the inspection, such as the degree to which each appliance passed, and any work required to bring them up-to-standard. This lets tenants know what to expect when renting out the property, and also helps to avoid costly costs for the landlord if there is a problem.
A landlord is required to provide the new tenant with the copy of their CP12 within 28 days of the inspection and also keep records for their personal use. Landlords must also ensure to renew their CP12 before it expires, as failure to do this could expose them to a penalty fine or even criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain an CP12 isn't just a legal requirement but is also essential for the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will reveal any potential issues in the gas supply of your rental property or appliances, so they can be dealt with before they become bigger problems.
You can locate a registered engineer online if you are looking for an CP12. You can recognise them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms, or on their service vans. It's also worth checking with the governing body of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is licensed to conduct CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize an efficient landlord software program, like 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 send them a notification when their next check is due to be carried out.
How long do they last?
The certificate given to landlords who have successfully completed a CP12 is valid for a period of 12 months following the date of the inspection. It is therefore important for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and ensure that their certificates do not expire. If it does it, the landlord is breaking the law and could be punished with a fine.
Ofttimes, there are a variety of reasons why landlords may not receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most common reasons is that they do not remember. This is not an excuse. The best thing to do is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due, and then plan it as soon as possible.
It is also worth noting that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who doesn't have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. This could mean they won't be able to rent out their property and may even be in danger of being cut off from gas off if the issue isn't resolved immediately.
Gas Safe Register, which is managed by the UK Health and Safety Executive, registers all engineers who have been authorised to perform CP12 inspections and to issue gas safety certificates. You will see the logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their firms. They will also have an Gas Safe registration number which they must provide when booking an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to search their details on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about their status.
Where can I get one?
A CP12 is only issued by an engineer registered on the Gas Safe Register. This ensures the engineer is competent to perform an extensive inspection. If an appliance fails to pass the test the engineer will notify the landlord and suggest any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days following the inspection.
Failure to have a valid CP12 can pose serious health and safety risks for tenants, as well as putting the landlord in violation of the law. Faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They may also trigger explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely emitted from the building, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks will help reduce the risk of these accidents since any issues can be addressed promptly. The landlord is also accountable for ensuring that annual maintenance is carried out on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or manuals. The landlord should also keep a record of the maintenance work they carry out.
Thankfully, with the aid of free landlord software such as BOXT, keeping track of these important tasks is much easier for landlords. It's as simple as setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure their tenants get an authentic CP12 within the timeframe required. This will prevent fines and other problems that could arise from failure to comply with the law.