Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who leases out a portion or all of their home must get a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures that all appliances are safe and complies with the law.
Landlords should also keep records for all inspections. This can be 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 anyone who leases the property that has gas piping at least once per year. Landlords must present the certificates at the start of a new tenancy tenants and keep copies for as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who do not comply with the law put their tenants in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and may face legal action. They also risk losing their landlord insurance cover.
To carry out an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers require access to the building and the full information of all appliances that need being checked, and the manufacturer and model details for each appliance, in addition to access to the manufacturer's specifications. Engineers should also be able to verify that each appliance functions properly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment is in good condition.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be noted on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the faults cannot be fixed then another inspection is required and a new certification will be issued after the issue is resolved. The date that the next inspection is due to be recorded on the CP12 and should be scheduled in a timely manner to avoid any issues.
Only Full Statement registered engineers are qualified to complete an assessment and issue the gas safety certificate. Landlords are able to search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer following a thorough examination of gas appliances, fittings and flues in a property. This certificate is an essential part of the landlord's duties under UK law. It helps to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords that do not follow the law may be punished severely, including fines and even prison.
The CP12 is a detailed document that lists all of the gas appliances in the home as well as the specific information about each inspection, as well as any issues discovered. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test and their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection or prior to the time a new tenant is moved in.
It is essential to select a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct a CP12 exam. This professional should have the knowledge and expertise to provide a thorough inspection. The most reliable method of confirming the credentials of an engineer is to examine their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number and the kinds of work they are qualified to do. It is also a good idea to look up reviews and recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. In addition, lack of a CP12 can lead to the invalidation of insurance policies for landlords, leaving them financially vulnerable in the case of a gas-related event. To avoid these risks, the best strategy is to schedule annual inspections by an Gas Safe engineer to ensure that your properties are all equipped with CP12s.
How do I obtain one?
A CP12 is a document that certifies that gas appliances in the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for each building they rent to tenants. A CP12 includes the details of the inspection, including if each appliance passed or failed, as well as any work needed to bring them up to standards. This helps tenants understand what they can expect when renting an apartment or house, and helps prevent unexpected expenses for the landlord in the event that there is a problem.
A landlord must provide an applicant with the copy of their CP12 within 28 days after the date of the inspection and keep records for their personal use. Landlords are also required to renew their CP12 before the expiration date or else they could face an infraction or a criminal charge.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate is not only an obligation under the law however, it's also important for the health of your tenants and well-being. A CP12 certificate will highlight any issues that could arise in the gas supply or appliances in your rental property, which can be fixed before they become bigger issues.
You can locate an engineer who is registered online if you are looking for a CP12. You can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on uniforms or on their service vehicles. You should also contact CORGI, the authority (now Gas Safe), to ensure that your engineer is licensed to perform CP12 inspections.
Another option is to use an efficient landlord software program, like Klipboard, which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and easily in the field without needing to keep track of heavy pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, and automatically send them a notification when their next inspection is due to be completed.
How long do they last? for?
If a landlord is able to complete the CP12 and is able to pass it the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. This is why it's important for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate does not run out. If it does not the landlord will be punished for breaking the law.
There are many reasons why landlords don't renew their CP12. One of the most common is that they forget. This is not a good excuse, and the best option in this scenario is to gently remind them that the gas safety check is due and then plan the check right away.
A CP12 does not have an extension period. Any landlord who fails to renew their certificate after the expiry date is in violation of the law. If the problem is not fixed immediately, they may not be able to rent their property or even be unable to access their gas supply.
Gas Safe Register, which is run by the UK Health and Safety Executive, registers all engineers that are authorized to perform CP12 inspections and issues gas safety certificates. You will see the logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their businesses. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when booking an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to find their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are ever unsure of their status.
Where can I get one?
A CP12 is only issued by an engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. This ensures the engineer is fully qualified for an in-depth inspection. If an appliance fails the check the engineer will inform the landlord and recommend any necessary repairs to be made before a new certificate is issued. Landlords must provide an original copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the inspection taking place.
A valid CP12 is vital for the safety and health of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. Incorrect appliances can release carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They also can cause fires and explosions. The blocked flues also hinder harmful gases from being safely evacuated from the building, increasing carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help to reduce the risk, since any issues that require to be taken care of can be addressed promptly. According to the instructions or manuals of the manufacturer landlords are also responsible for the annual maintenance of gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. Landlords are also required to keep a record of every maintenance work.
Thankfully, with the aid of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these crucial tasks is much easier for landlords. Whether it's by setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure that their tenants get an official CP12 within the specified time. This will help avoid penalties and other issues that can arise from failing to follow the law.