Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12

Any person who rents out a piece of their property or the entire one is required to obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This guarantees that all appliances are safe and complies with the law.

Landlords should also keep records for all inspections. This is useful if they ever decide to sell their property.

Legal Requirements

Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue a gas safety cp12 certificate to any person renting out the property that has gas piping at least once per year. Landlords are required to give the certificates to new tenants on the start of a tenancy. They must also keep copies of any subsequent inspections for as long as they own the property.

Landlords who do not follow the law put their tenants at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide and may be liable to legal actions. They also risk losing the insurance protection for landlords.

Engineers need access to a property to carry out the inspection and issue a gas safety certificate. They also must be aware of the model and manufacturer of each appliance as well as access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers must also be able ensure that every appliance functions correctly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment are in good condition.

Any problems found during the inspection will be noted on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the issues cannot be fixed then another inspection is required and a new certification will be issued after the problem is resolved. The date when the next inspection is due will be recorded on the CP12 and must be scheduled quickly to avoid any problems.

Only Gas Safe registered engineers can conduct an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can look on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords can look online for an engineer who is Gas Safe in their area.

What is a CP12?

A CP12 is a certificate issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following an extensive inspection of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and other appliances at a property. This certificate is a vital element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who don't comply with the law could face severe penalties which include fines and even imprisonment.

The CP12 is a detailed document that lists all of the gas appliances in the home as well as the specific details of every inspection and any issues discovered. The document also lists the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to provide a copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days following their annual inspection or prior to the tenant moving into.

It is crucial to choose the right Gas Safe registered professional to conduct an CP12 exam. This professional should have the expertise and experience to conduct a thorough examination. Checking the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the most reliable way to verify their credentials. This card includes their registration number, as well as the types of work they are competent to perform. It's also recommended to review and get recommendations from other landlords.

Landlords who fail to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, which could include fines and even imprisonment. A CP12 is also required to be valid for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the event of a gas-related incident. To avoid these risks the best option is to schedule annual inspections by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that your properties are all equipped with CP12s.

How do I get one?

A CP12 is an official document that confirms that gas appliances in the property were tested 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, such as whether each appliance passed or failed, as well as any work needed to bring them up to standards. This helps tenants understand what to expect when renting out an apartment or house, and helps prevent unexpected expenses for the landlord in the event that there is a problem.

A landlord must give an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days following the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords must also ensure to renew their CP12 before 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 isn't just legal however, it is crucial for your tenants' health and well-being. A CP12 will identify any potential issues with the gas supply to your rental property or appliances, so they can be dealt with before they become bigger problems.

If you're looking to get a CP12 then you can locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe online. You can recognize them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms as well as on their service vehicles. It is also advisable to check with CORGI the authority (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer has been registered to perform 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 effortlessly on the job without having to keep track of heavy pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, and automatically notify them when their next inspection is scheduled to be completed.

How long are they good for?

When a landlord completes the CP12 and passes it the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of inspection. This is why it is vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 checks and ensure that their certificate does not run out. If it does, the landlord is breaking the law and could be subject to a fine.

Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords may fail to get their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent is that they simply forget. This is not a valid excuse and the best option in this case is to politely remind them that their gas safety checks are due and schedule the check immediately.

It is also worth noting that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who fails to renew their certificate prior to the expiry date will be in violation of the law. If the issue is not addressed immediately, they could be unable to rent their property or even be unable to access their gas supply.

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 will see the logo of this official organisation on the uniforms and vans of their firms. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when you book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to find their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about their status.

Where do I get one?

Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. This ensures that the engineer is competent to perform an in-depth inspection. The engineer will notify the landlord of any appliance that fails the test and suggest that any repairs needed be made before issuing an updated certificate. The landlord must give a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the time that the inspection took place.

A valid CP12 is essential for the safety and health of tenants. It also puts the landlord in violation of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can generate carbon monoxide, a gas that is colorless and odourless but they also can cause fires and explosions. In addition, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from being safely expelled from the building, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks can reduce these risks since any issues can be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals issued by the manufacturer landlords are also accountable to perform annual maintenance on mk Gas safety appliances and pipes within their rental properties. The landlord should also keep a record of the maintenance work carried out.

Thankfully, with the aid of landlord free software such as BOXT, keeping track of these vital 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 tenants receive an up to date CP12 within the stipulated timeframe. This will help avoid penalties and other issues that can arise from failing to follow the law.