Any person who rents out a part or all of their home must obtain a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures that all appliances are safe and that they are in compliance with the law.
Landlords also need to keep the records of all inspections. This is important in the event that the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who rents out a property that has gas piping is legally required to have it checked and a gas safety certificate cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once every year. The landlord must present the certificates at the beginning of a new tenancy to tenants and retain copies for as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who fail to adhere to the law are placing their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and are facing potential legal actions. They also risk losing their landlord insurance cover.
To conduct an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers need access to the property and the full information of all appliances that need inspection, as well as the manufacturer and model 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 working order.
Any issues that are discovered during the inspection would be recorded on the CP12 and remedies suggested. If the problem is not fixed, a second inspection is required and a new certification will be issued after the issue is resolved. The CP12 will contain the date of the next inspection. It is crucial to schedule this inspection as soon as possible to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords are able to look online for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area.
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 within a building. This certificate is an essential element of a landlord's responsibilities under UK law and helps ensure that all tenants live in a safe and healthy environment. Landlords who do not adhere to the law can be penalized severely, ranging from fines and prison.
The CP12 document is a comprehensive listing of all homeowner gas safety certificate appliances located in the building as well as specific information about each inspection, and any issues that were found. The document also lists the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date that the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to give a copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days following their annual inspection or before a tenant moves in.
It is crucial to choose an Gas Safe registered professional to conduct an CP12 exam. The person you choose 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 kinds of work they're qualified to carry out. You can also review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who do not have a valid CP12 are subject to serious legal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 could lead to the invalidation of insurance policies for landlords, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. The most effective strategy for protecting yourself from the risk is to keep all of your properties' CP12s current and up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that proves that the gas appliances in the property have been checked for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and have one for each building they rent to tenants. A CP12 contains the details of the inspection, such as the degree to which each appliance was inspected, as well as any work needed to bring them up-to-standard. This ensures that tenants know what they can expect when renting an apartment or house, and can help avoid unexpected costs for the landlord if an issue arises.
A landlord must provide the new tenant with the copy of their CP12 within 28 days of the inspection and also keep records for their own use. Landlords must also renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires or they could be subject to an infraction or a criminal charge.
A CP12 certificate isn't just an obligation under the law however, it's also essential for the health of your tenants and well-being. A CP12 will reveal any potential issues in the gas supply of your rental property or appliances, so that they can be dealt with before they turn into bigger issues.
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 authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is authorized to carry out CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a software-based landlord solution that allows engineers to quickly and easily complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates in the field without the need to keep track of bulky paper pads. They can also set up boiler service and gas safety certificate reminders to send out notifications to their clients when the next check is due.
The certificate issued to a landlord who successfully completes the CP12 is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. It is crucial that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and make sure that their certificates do not expire. If it does not the landlord is fined for breaking the law.
There are a variety of reasons why landlords may not be able to receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most common reasons is because they forget. This isn't a good excuse, and the best thing to do in this case is to politely remind them that their gas certificate safety check is due and then plan the check right away.
It is also important to remember that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who does not have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. If the problem is not addressed immediately, they could be unable to rent their home and even be unable to access their gas supply.
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. This is an official organisation and you'll be able to see their logo on their uniforms as well as on the vans of the companies they are employed by. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required to book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to search their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure of their status.
Where do I get one?
Only those who are registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This ensures that the engineer is qualified to conduct an extensive inspection. The engineer will inform the landlord if the appliance fails the test and recommend that any repairs needed be made before issuing the new certificate. Landlords must provide a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the inspection taking place.
Failure to have a valid CP12 can pose serious risk to the health and safety of tenants as well as putting the landlord in breach of the law. Appliances that are not functioning properly can create inodorless and colourless carbon monoxide. They may also trigger fires and explosions. Blockage of flues can also stop harmful gases from being safely emitted from the premises and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks can reduce the risk of these accidents as any problems can be dealt with promptly. The landlord is also responsible for ensuring that annual maintenance is carried out on all gas appliances and pipes in their rental properties, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or manuals. The landlord must also keep a log of all maintenance work.
With the help of free landlord software such as BOXT, keeping track of these crucial tasks is much easier for landlords. This can be done by setting a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure their tenants receive a valid CP12 in the required timeframe. This will help avoid penalties and other issues that can arise from failing to comply with the law.