Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone renting out a part of their property is required to obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and complies with the law.
Landlords should also keep the records of all inspections. This is useful should they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who leases properties that have gas piping is legally required to have it checked and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer once every year. Landlords must give the certificates to tenants on the start of a 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 actions. They also run the risk of losing their landlord insurance.
Engineers require access to a property to carry out the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They must also be aware of the model and brand of each appliance, and have access to the manufacturer specifications. Engineers must also ensure that every appliance functions properly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment is in good condition.
Any problems identified during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and remedies suggested. If the problem is not addressed, a second inspection is required and a new certification will be issued once the issue is fixed. The CP12 will contain the date of the next inspection. It is important to plan this appointment quickly to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorised to complete an assessment and issue an official gas safety certificate. Landlords are able to search on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords can look online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer after a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings within the building. This certificate is an essential part of the responsibilities a landlord has under UK law, and helps ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to follow the law are subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 document is a complete listing of all gas appliances in the home as well as specific details regarding each inspection, and any issues that were identified. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was conducted. Landlords must provide all tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before the tenant moves in.
When choosing the Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct an CP12 inspection it is essential to choose a reputable professional who has the experience and reputation required to conduct a thorough examination. The best method to confirm the credentials of an engineer is to check their Gas Safe ID card, which includes their registration number as well as the kinds of work they are able to carry out. You can also review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who fail to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of hefty legal penalties, such as fines and even jail time. A CP12 is also required to be valid for insurance purposes. This puts landlords at risk financially in the event of a gas related incident. The best way to avoiding these risks is to keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
How can I get one?
A CP12 is a valid document that confirms that the gas appliances within the property have been tested for safety. It is legal for landlords to obtain and maintain one for each building they lease out to tenants. A CP12 provides details about the inspection, such as whether each appliance passed or failed, as well as any 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 prevent unexpected costs for the landlord if an issue arises.
A landlord must give an original 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 else they could be liable to a fine or criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain the CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also crucial for the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will identify 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 find an engineer registered online if you are searching for an CP12. You can recognize them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vehicles. It's also worth contacting the authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is fully registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a software for landlords solution that lets engineers quickly and efficiently complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates on the field without the need to keep an eye on bulky paper pads. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically notify them when their next inspection is due to be carried out.
How long do they last?
If a landlord is able to complete the CP12 and is able to pass it the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of the inspection. This is why it is important for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate does not expire. If it does then the landlord is in violation of the law and could face a fine.
Ofttimes, there are a variety of reasons why landlords fail to receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most common is that they forget. This isn't an excuse. The best option is to remind them politely that their gas safety inspection is due, and then schedule it immediately.
It is also important to remember that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who fails to renew their certificate after the expiry date will be in violation of the law. If the issue is not resolved immediately, they could be unable to rent out their property or even have their gas supply cut.
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. The logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their firms. They also have an Gas Safe registration number which they must provide when they 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 unsure of their status.
Where can I buy one?
Only engineers registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. gas safety certificate homeowner ensures that the engineer is fully qualified for an extensive inspection. If an appliance fails to pass the test, the engineer will warn the landlord and suggest any necessary repairs to be made before a new certificate is issued. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
A valid CP12 is essential for the safety and health of tenants. It also places the landlord in breach of the law. Not only can faulty appliances produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colourless, but they can also trigger explosions and fires. Additionally, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from being safely expelled out of the home, thereby increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help reduce these risks, as any issues that require to be addressed can be dealt with promptly. The landlord is also accountable for carrying out annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties, in line to the instructions of the manufacturer or manuals. Landlords must also keep a record of all maintenance work.
Thankfully, with the help of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these important tasks is much easier for landlords. Whether it's by setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can make sure that tenants have a valid CP12 within the timeframe required. This will help to avoid fines and other issues that may arise from failing to adhere to the law.