Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who leases out a portion of or their entire property must obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe, and that they are in compliance with the law.
Landlords should also keep the records of all inspections. This can be useful should they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who rents out a property that has gas piping should be legally required to have it examined and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once each year. Landlords are required to give the certificates to new tenants on the start of the tenancy and keep copies of any future inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who fail to follow the law put their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and may be liable 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 also must know the model and make of each appliance and access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers should also be able to ensure that every appliance functions properly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment are in good condition.
Any problems found during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and solutions will be suggested. If gas safety certificate grace period cannot be corrected, a further inspection will be required and a new certification will be issued when the issue is resolved. The date on which the next inspection is scheduled will be included on the CP12 and must be scheduled promptly to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can complete an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords are able to search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should pick an engineer who offers competitive prices and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are safe from potentially dangerous gas-related issues.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings within a property. This certificate is an essential element of a landlord's responsibilities under UK law, and helps ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not adhere to the law face severe penalties which include fines and even imprisonment.
The CP12 document contains a complete list of all gas appliances located in the property, as well as specific information about every 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 that the inspection was completed. Landlords are required to give an original copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days of their annual inspection or prior to the tenant moving into.
It is crucial to choose an Gas Safe registered professional to conduct a CP12 exam. The professional must have the expertise and experience to provide a thorough inspection. The best method to confirm an engineer's credentials is to check their Gas Safe ID card, which includes their registration number and the kinds of work they're qualified to carry out. It's also recommended to read reviews and suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of severe legal penalties, which could include fines and even jail time. A CP12 is also required for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the event of a gas related incident. 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 obtain one?
A CP12 is an official document that confirms that gas appliances in a property were checked for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and have one for each building they rent to tenants. A CP12 includes the details of the inspection, including if each appliance was passed or failed, as well as any work required to bring them to a standard. This allows tenants to know what they can expect from renting a property, and can help stop landlords from incurring unanticipated costs in the event of an issue.
A landlord must give a copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days after the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords are also required to renew their CP12 prior to its expiration, or they could be liable to a fine or criminal prosecution.
Getting a CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also crucial for the health and well-being of your tenants. A CP12 certificate will reveal any potential issues with the gas supply and appliances in your rental properties and can be rectified before they become bigger problems.
If you're in the market for a CP12, you can find an engineer who's registered with Gas Safe online. You can recognise them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms, or that is displayed on their service vans. It's also worth checking with the CORGI's governing body CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is licensed to conduct CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a streamlined landlord software solution like Klipboard which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and easily on the job without having to keep track of bulky pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically send them a notification when their next check is scheduled to be completed.
How long do they last?
The certificate given to landlords who have successfully completed a CP12 is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of the inspection. This is why it's essential for landlords to book regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate does not run out. If it doesn't, the landlord could be fined for breaking the law.
There are many reasons why landlords don't renew their CP12. One of the most common reasons is that they do not remember. This is not a good excuse and the best thing to do in this scenario is to gently remind them that the gas safety check is due and schedule the check immediately.
It is important to note that there is no grace period when it comes to a CP12 and any landlord who does not have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in violation of the law. This could mean that they will not be able to let their property and may even be at risk of being cut off from gas off if the problem isn't fixed straight away.
All engineers who are authorized 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. You can see the logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their firms. They will also carry a Gas Safe registration number which they will need to provide when booking an inspection. This number is unique and can be used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I purchase one?
A CP12 can only be issued by an engineer registered on the Gas Safe Register. This ensures that the engineer is fully qualified to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails to pass the test the engineer will inform the landlord and suggest any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. Landlords are required to give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
A valid CP12 is vital for the safety and health of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide that is colourless and odourless, but they also can cause explosions and fires. Additionally blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely emitted out of the home, thereby increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help reduce the risk, since any issues that need to be addressed will be addressed promptly. The landlord is also accountable for carrying out annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties, in accordance to the instructions of the manufacturer or manuals. Landlords are also required to keep a record of all maintenance work.
With the aid of landlord free software like BOXT, keeping track of these important tasks is much easier for landlords. This can be done by setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure their tenants receive an official CP12 within the timeframe required. This will help to avoid fines and other problems that could arise from failure to comply with the law.