Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Any person who rents out a piece of or their entire property must obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This guarantees that the appliances are safe and comply with the law.
Landlords should also keep records of all inspections. This can be useful should they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue a gas safety cp12 certificate to anyone renting out an apartment with gas pipes at least once per year. The landlord is required to give the certificates to tenants at the beginning of a tenancy. They must also keep copies of any subsequent inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who don't comply with the law are putting their tenants at risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning and could face potential legal action. They also risk losing their insurance coverage for landlords.
To carry out an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers require access to the building and the full information of all appliances that require being checked, and the manufacturer and model details for each appliance, as well as access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers must also ensure that every appliance functions correctly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment is in good condition.
Any issues that are discovered during the inspection would be noted on the CP12 and the suggested remedies. If the problem is not corrected, a subsequent inspection is required and a new certificate will be issued when the issue is resolved. The CP12 will include the date of the next inspection. It is essential to schedule this inspection as soon as possible in order to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can check online for an Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords can check online for an engineer who is Gas Safe in their area.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 is a document issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following a thorough inspection of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings in a home. This certificate is an essential part of the landlord's obligations under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to comply with the law could face severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 is a complete document that lists all of the gas appliances that are in the property as well as the specific details for each inspection, as well as any issues discovered. The document also lists the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test as well as their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. Landlords must provide all tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or prior to the time a new tenant moves into.
It is important to choose an Gas Safe registered professional to conduct the CP12 exam. This professional should have the experience and reputation to provide a thorough inspection. The best way to verify the credentials of an engineer is to check their Gas Safe ID card, which contains their registration number and the types of work they're qualified to perform. It's also recommended to review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who fail to maintain a valid CP12 face serious legal penalties including penalties of imprisonment and fines. In addition, lack of a CP12 could result in the invalidation of insurance policies for landlords which could leave them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related incident. To minimize the risk the best option is to schedule regular inspections by an Gas Safe engineer to ensure that all your properties have CP12s.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is a valid document that proves that the gas appliances within the property have been checked for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every property they lease to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection including whether or not each appliance was passed, as well as any work required to bring them up-to-standard. This helps tenants understand what they can expect when renting a property and it helps to avoid costly costs for the landlord if there is a problem.
A landlord must give an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days of the inspection. They should also keep records for their own reference. Landlords should also be sure to renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires, as failure to do so could lead to a penalty fine, or even criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also important to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will identify any potential issues with your rental property's gas supply or appliances, so that they can be dealt with before they turn into bigger issues.
If you're interested in getting a CP12, you can find an engineer registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms as well as on their service vehicles. It is also advisable to check with CORGI the governing body (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer has been registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize an efficient landlord software program such as Klipboard that allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and effortlessly in the field, without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically notify them when their next check is scheduled to be completed.
How long are they good for?
When a landlord completes a CP12 and passes it, the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of inspection. It is therefore essential that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and to ensure that their certificate does not expire. If it does, the landlord is breaking the law and could face a fine.
Ofttimes, there are a variety of reasons why landlords may not receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most common is that they simply forget. This is not a good excuse, and the best option in this situation is to politely remind them that their gas safety check is due and plan the check right away.
A CP12 does not come with an extension period. If a landlord fails to renew their certificate after the expiry date is in breach of the law. This could mean they will not be able to rent their property and may even risk having their gas supply cut off if the issue isn't fixed straight away.
Gas Safe Register, which is operated by the UK Health and Safety Executive, registers all engineers who have been authorised to perform CP12 inspections and issues gas safety certificates. You will see the logo of this official organisation on the uniforms and vans of their companies. They also carry an Gas Safe registration number which they need to present when booking an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to find their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are ever unsure of their status.
Where can I get one?
A CP12 can only be issued by an engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. This assures that the engineer is qualified to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails the check, the engineer will warn the landlord and suggest any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
A valid CP12 is essential for the health and safety of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. Appliances that are not functioning properly can create colourless and odourless carbon monoxide. They also can cause explosions and fires. Blockage of flues can also stop harmful gases from being safely emitted out of the property which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks can reduce the risk of these accidents since any issues can be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals provided by the manufacturer landlords are also accountable to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. The landlord should also keep a record of the maintenance work they carry out.
With the aid of free software for landlords, such as BOXT, it is simpler to keep track of these crucial tasks. It's as simple as setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can make sure that tenants have an official CP12 within the timeframe required. This will prevent fines and other problems that can arise from failing to comply with the law.