What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipework and appliances in rental properties should be inspected every year by certified engineers. The checks are also known as CP12 certificates and must be performed annually.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document up to April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years in case of audits.
What is a CP12?
A landlord's gas safety Cp12 certificate is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that certifies that all gas appliances and installations within the property have been thoroughly inspected. It is a requirement in the UK for landlords to present this certificate. This is to ensure the safety and health of their tenants. Landlords must arrange and keep up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, ensure their gas systems in good condition, and provide the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day time frame following each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name for the document from 1991 until April 2009. In April of that year the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) was replaced by Gas Safe Register. The CP12 was changed to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the name and contact details of the engineer who conducted the checkup In addition to the details of the engineer who conducted the checkup, a CP12 will include the specifics of each appliance inspected and any immediate actions required for safety. The location of each gas appliance is recorded and any tests that are performed on flues and ventilation.
It is important that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to file complaints against landlords in accordance with section 21 of 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. This could result in fines and even eviction in certain cases.
Gas appliances that fail can create carbon monoxide. This odorless, colourless gas can be deadly when inhaled. Blockages in flues can also prevent harmful gases from leaving the premises safely, causing an additional fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the chance to inform tenants about any potential risks within a property.
While how long does a gas safety certificate last is a requirement by law to have a CP12, the process can seem daunting to many landlords. There are services available to help ease the process. Klipboard is one example. It allows landlords to schedule annual gas inspections and receive reminders regarding when to renew. These services can help landlords save time and money, while also ensuring they're up to date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the annual checkups?
As a landlord, you're responsible for providing a safe environment for your tenants. This includes making sure all gas appliances comply with standards. This is why it's so important to have CP12 checks done every year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants when they move into. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 could be penalized, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is prepared by a qualified gas engineer who inspects every gas pipework, appliances, and flues in your home. The CP12 contains the contact information of the engineer as well as an explanation and the location of each appliance. The CP12 also has an expiry date. When it expires, you will have to make another appointment with a qualified gas safe engineer to renew it.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 can only be produced by engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is a part the laws on building safety that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to carry out the CP12 check on their properties as soon as they lease them out. They must also keep records of this and provide their existing or new tenants with a copy of the certificate. If the landlord fails to comply with the law, they may be fined or even imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords vary based on the purpose of the property, however there are some basic rules that all landlords must follow. This includes ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and repairing the property, and providing the necessary documentation to sell or move out.
If you believe that your landlord isn't adhering to their legal obligations regarding building safety, then it's important to bring the matter to them. It's possible they did not schedule a CP12 appointment and by raising the issue, you'll give them the chance to make it happen before they are subject to any penalties. If they don't comply with the laws, then you may make a complaint to the HSE for a crime against public health.
What is included in a checkup?
The CP12 is an important tool to protect your tenants from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is legally required in the UK for landlords, so make sure to display it prominently. Also give an exemplar to every tenant. This will show that you value your tenants' safety and are taking proactive measures to maintain property standards.
A CP12 is one of the reports that includes details of all the gas appliances and pipework that are in your rental property. It must be signed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It should comprise the following information:
Description and the 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 is unsafe to use, the engineer must inform you and inform you of the needed remedial steps. You must make arrangements for the equipment to be fixed before the CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not only check the appliances in themselves but also the flues and exhausts in your home. This will make sure that they operate at the right pressure and free of leaks. It also checks that the appliances are burning gas in a safe manner.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for any future inspections. It is recommended that the next inspections occur one year after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a CP12 valid and avoid any delays when issuing new certificates.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord on file for a minimum of two years. You must give an original copy of the CP12 to your tenant at the time of their move-in and you must issue a new CP12 following each inspection within 28 days.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that you must ensure all your properties rented to tenants have their gas appliances checked annually. However, if your tenant is not willing to allow access for these checks, you must send them a letter explaining that the safety checks are a legal requirement and ask them to grant you access. If they refuse the access, you are only able to shut off the gas supply once you have taken all reasonable steps to gain access.
What is the best way to get CP12?
Getting a CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that requires locating an engineer who is Gas Safe registered to conduct an inspection of your property. You can find many companies in your local area that offer CP12 inspections. A quick Google search will help you locate one. Once you've located an engineer, you can set up a time for them to visit and conduct the inspection.
Landlords must possess a CP12 certification prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings and flues work properly and are safe. Infractions to gas safety regulations could result in heavy fines and even imprisonment in some cases. The valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace assurance that they are keeping their tenants safe and complying with the legal requirements.
The CP12 will detail whether or not the appliance has passed or failed the safety test. It will include any recommendations for action or repairs that are needed to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords must respond within 28 days. They must also provide their tenants copies of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine a landlord if they do not have a CP12 on file. Additionally, they could lose the right to expel tenants in accordance with Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it harder for landlords to rent out their properties, especially in the event of security issues.
While a CP12 is a legal requirement for landlords, some are hesitant to conduct an annual check. what is a landlord gas safety certificate make excuses such as forgetting, being busy, or going on vacation. This poses a serious danger to the safety of tenants, since carbon monoxide poisoning is a hidden danger that can cause serious illness and even death.
Landlords are able to prevent this by reminding tenants about the upcoming inspection. One way to do this is to use tools for managing landlords like Klipboard that allows users to schedule reminders for service appointments, such as CP12 renewals. These reminders can be delivered via email, SMS or via the mobile app, and can assist them in keeping track of their rental maintenance obligations.