Landlords must have the gas pipes and appliances inspected by certified engineers to ensure that they are safe. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and must be carried out annually.
CORGI Proforma 12, or CP12 was the official UK Gas Inspection Document until April 2009. Landlords should keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years to allow for auditing.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 comes from an Gas Safe registered engineer that confirms the property's gas safety certificate landlord appliances and installations have been inspected and passed. This is an obligation for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and well-being. Landlords must arrange and keep up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, ensure their gas systems in a good condition, and send the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28 day period of each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official title for the document from 1991 to April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. This led to the CP12 was popularly referred to as the Landlord gas safety certificate duplicate Safety Certificate.
In addition to the name and contact details of the person who performed the inspection, the CP12 will contain the specifics of each appliance inspected and any immediate actions needed for safety. The location of every gas appliance is recorded, as are any tests conducted on the flues and vents.
It is important that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to file complaints against landlords in accordance with section 21 of the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. In certain cases this could result in fines or even eviction.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can create carbon monoxide. It is a colorless and odourless gas which can be fatal if inhaled. Additionally, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from exiting the building, creating an additional fire hazard. The CP12 is also an opportunity for landlords to inform tenants of any dangers that might exist within the property.
While it is legally required to keep a CP12 in place however, the process can be daunting for a lot of landlords. There are services that can help ease the process. Klipboard is one example. It allows landlords to schedule annual gas inspections and get reminders when it's time to renew. These services will save time and money for landlords while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the checkups?
As a landlord, you are accountable for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This means ensuring all gas appliances are up to standards. It is essential to have CP12 inspections every year, and to provide copies of these certificates when your tenants move in. A landlord who doesn't provide a valid CP12 can be fined, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is prepared by a specialised gas engineer who checks all the gas pipework, appliances, and flues that are in your home. The CP12 includes the contact details of the engineer and the description and location of each appliance. The CP12 will also include an expiry date on it. After it expires you must book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 is only produced by engineers who have been registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is part the laws governing safety in the construction industry which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords must legally perform the CP12 inspection of their property when it is let. They must also keep a record of this and provide their current or new tenants with a copy of the certificate. If the landlord fails to follow through with the requirements, they could be fined or even imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords vary according to how the property is used but there are some general rules that everyone must abide by. These include making sure that the gas system is safe for tenants, repairing and maintaining the property and providing all documentation required to sell or move out.
It's important to bring this up in a respectful manner with your landlord if you think that they are not meeting their legal obligations in regards to safety in the building. It's possible they didn't make a CP12 appointment and by raising the issue you will give them a chance to do so before they are subject to any penalties. If they fail to adhere to the law, you may file a complaint with HSE as an act of harm to public health.
What is included in a health checkup?
The CP12 is a tool that will protect your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It's a legal requirement for landlords in the UK So ensure that you display it prominently and provide a copy to your tenants. This will show that you prioritise your tenants security and take proactive measures to ensure that your property is in good condition.
A CP12 report includes information about all gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It should be completed by a registered and certified Gas Safe engineer. It must include:
Description and location of all gas appliances. The appliances that passed or failed inspection. Name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
If the equipment isn't safe to use, the engineer should inform you and advise you of the needed repairs. You must then arrange for it to be repaired before a new CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not only check the appliances themselves but also the flues and exhausts within your home. This will make sure that they operate at the right pressure and are free of leaks. The test will also confirm that the appliances are burning gas properly.
As well as a report of the inspection In addition, your CP12 will also contain the dates that all future checks are due. It is recommended to plan your next inspections to be scheduled 12 months after the last one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and will avoid any delays when you issue new certificates.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on the landlord's file for a minimum of two years. You must give the certificate to your tenant at the time they move in. You must provide the new CP12 within 28 days of the date of each inspection.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations oblige you to ensure that all your properties rented to tenants are tested annually for gas appliances. If your tenant refuses to let you into their property to conduct these safety checks then you must write to them and explain that this is an obligation under the law. You should be asking them to allow you access. If they refuse, you will only be able to shut off their gas after you have taken all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
How can I get a CP12?
The process of obtaining a CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that requires locating an engineer registered with Gas Safe to conduct an inspection of your home. There are a variety of companies that provide CP12 checks and it is a good idea to do an initial Google search to locate one near you. Once you've located an engineer, you can schedule an appointment with them to visit and conduct the test.
Landlords are legally required to have a CP12 certificate in place prior to renting their property. This is to ensure all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings function safely and are secure. Infractions to the regulations on gas safety could result in hefty penalties and even jail time in certain instances. A valid CP12 certificate gives landlords the peace assurance that their tenants are safe and they are in compliance with legal requirements.
The CP12 will provide information on whether or not each appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety test. The CP12 will also contain any recommendations or repairs that are required to make the appliance safe. Landlords must act within 28 days. They should also provide their tenants copies of CP12 within 28 days after the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine a landlord if they do not have a CP12 on file. They will also lose the right to evict tenants under Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it harder for landlords who are concerned about security to rent their properties.
While a CP12 may be a legal requirement however, some landlords are hesitant to perform an annual check. Many landlords use excuses such as forgetting, being busy or going on vacation. Carbon monoxide poisoning could pose a serious threat to the safety of tenants.
Landlords can stop this from happening by giving their tenants clear reminders of the coming inspection. Klipboard is an application that allows users to set up reminders for appointments for instance, CP12 renewals. These reminders can be sent via text message, email or via the mobile app, and will aid them in staying on top of their obligations to maintain their rental.
CORGI Proforma 12, or CP12 was the official UK Gas Inspection Document until April 2009. Landlords should keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years to allow for auditing.
