Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who leases out a portion of or their entire property must have a CP12 gas safety certificate. This guarantees that the appliances are safe and comply with the law.
Landlords must also keep records of all inspections. This is useful should they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue an cp12 gas safety certificate to anyone who leases the property that has gas piping at least once per year. Landlords must present the certificates to prospective tenants on the start of a tenancy and keep copies of any subsequent inspections for as long as they own the property.
Landlords who don't adhere to the law place their tenants in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and could be subject to legal action. They also risk losing the landlord insurance cover.
Engineers need access to the property in order to conduct the inspection and issue a gas safety certificate. gas safety certificate landlord must also be aware of the model and manufacturer of each appliance and access to the manufacturer specifications. The engineers must also be able to verify that each appliance is operating properly and that all pipework and fittings are in good condition and securely secured.
Any problems identified during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and remedies suggested. If the issues cannot be corrected, another inspection is required and a new certificate will be issued after the issue is fixed. The CP12 will contain the date of the next inspection. It is crucial to schedule this inspection as soon as possible so that you do not run into any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorised to complete an assessment and issue the gas safety certificate. Landlords can look online for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should select an engineer that offers affordable prices and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are protected from potentially dangerous gas related issues.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 is a document issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following an inspection thorough of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and other appliances within a building. This certificate is an essential element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants live in a safe and safe environment. Landlords who do not adhere to the law face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 is a detailed 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 contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test, their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. Landlords must provide a copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days of their annual inspection or before a tenant moves in.
When selecting a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct an CP12 inspection, it is important to choose a professional with the experience and reputation needed to provide a thorough inspection. The best way to verify the credentials of an engineer is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which contains their registration number and the types of work they're qualified to perform. You can also read reviews and recommendations by other landlords.
Landlords who do not maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of severe legal penalties, such as penalties like fines or even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 can lead to the invalidation of landlords' insurance policies, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. To minimize the risk the best way to protect yourself is to schedule annual inspections by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that all your properties have CP12s.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is a valid document that confirms that gas appliances in the property have been checked for safety. It is legally required for landlords to get and maintain one for each property they lease out to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection, such as whether each appliance was passed or failed, and the work required to bring them up to standards. This lets tenants know what to expect when renting out an apartment or house, and can help avoid unexpected expenses for the landlord in the event that there is a problem.
A landlord is required to provide a new tenant with an original copy of their CP12 within 28 days after the date of the inspection, as well as keeping records for their own use. Landlords should also be sure to renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires, as failure to do so could leave them open to a penalty fine, or even criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate is not only legal however, it's also important for your tenants' health and well-being. A CP12 certificate will identify any potential issues in the gas supply or appliances in your rental properties and can be rectified before they grow into larger problems.
You can locate a registered engineer online if you are searching for a CP12. You can recognize them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms or that is displayed on their service vans. It's also worth contacting the authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is registered to carry out 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 in the field, without having to keep track of bulky pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, and automatically send them a notification when their next inspection is scheduled to be completed.
How long are they good for?
When a landlord completes an CP12 and is able to pass it, the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. It is therefore essential that landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and ensure that their certificate does not expire. If it does then the landlord is in violation of the law and could face a fine.
Ofttimes, there are a variety of reasons why landlords not be able to get their CP12 renewed. One of the most common is that they simply forget. This is not a good excuse, and the best thing to do in this situation is to politely remind them that the gas safety check is due and make sure to schedule the check as soon as possible.
A CP12 does not come with a grace period. If a landlord fails to renew their certificate prior to the expiry date is in breach of the law. If the issue isn't resolved immediately, they could be unable to rent their property and may even have their gas supply cut.
All engineers who have been 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. This is an official body and you'll be able see their logo on their uniforms as well as on the vans of the companies they are employed by. They will also have an Gas Safe registration number which they need to present when they book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to look up their details on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about 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 fully competent to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will notify the landlord if the appliance fails the test and will recommend that any repairs required be made before issuing a new certificate. The landlord must give an original copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the time that the inspection took place.
A valid CP12 is vital for the safety and health of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. Faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They can also cause explosions and fires. Blocked flues can also prevent harmful gases being safely expelled out of the property, increasing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks can minimize the risks, as any issues can be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals of the manufacturer, landlords are also responsible for the annual maintenance of gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. Landlords should also keep records of the maintenance work they carry out.
With the aid of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these important tasks is much easier for landlords. If this is done by setting a reminder to issue an CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that their tenants receive an up to date CP12 within the timeframe required. In the end, this will help avoid the fines and disruption caused by not following the law.