Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Any person who rents out a piece of their property or the entire one must obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This ensures that the appliances are safe and complies with the law.
Landlords must also keep records for every inspection. This will be useful should the landlord decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who leases properties that have gas piping is legally required to have it checked and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once a year. The landlord is required to provide the certificates to tenants at the beginning of the tenancy and keep copies of any future inspections for as long as they own the property.
Landlords who fail to adhere to the law are putting their tenants at risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning and face possible legal actions. They also run the risk of losing their landlord insurance.
To carry out an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate, engineers require access to the building as well as the complete details of all appliances in need of checking and the make and model of each appliance, in addition to access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers should also be able to verify that each appliance functions properly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment are in good condition.
Any issues that are discovered during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and suggested solutions. If the issues cannot be corrected, another inspection is needed and a new certificate will be issued after the issue is resolved. how long does gas safety certificate last that the next inspection is due will be recorded on the CP12 and must be scheduled promptly to prevent any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can check online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should select an engineer that offers competitive rates and an efficient service to ensure their tenants are protected from deadly gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 is a certificate issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following an inspection thorough of all gas appliances, fittings, and flues within a building. This certificate is a vital element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not adhere to the law face severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 document is a complete list of all gas appliances in the building and provides specific details about every inspection and any issues that were identified. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test as well as their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. The landlord must provide each tenant with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before a new tenant moves into.
When selecting a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection, it is important to select a qualified professional with the experience and credibility required to conduct an extensive examination. The best way to verify an engineer's credentials is to examine their Gas Safe ID card, which contains their registration number and the types of work they're qualified to carry out. It's also an excellent idea to read reviews and suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of hefty legal penalties, such as penalties like fines or even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 could lead to the cancellation of landlords' insurance policies, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related incident. The most effective method for protecting yourself from the risk is to keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a certified Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that confirms that the gas appliances inside the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every building they rent to tenants. A CP12 provides details about the inspection, including if each appliance was passed or failed, and any work required to bring them up to standard. This lets tenants know exactly what they are getting from a rental property, and can help keep landlords from having to pay unexpected expenses if there's any issue.
A landlord must provide the new tenant with a copy of their CP12 within 28 days of the inspection, as well as keeping records for their own use. Landlords must also renew their CP12 before the expiration date, or they could be liable to an infraction or a criminal charge.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate isn't just legal, but it is also crucial 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 that can be addressed before they turn into bigger problems.
If you're looking to get a CP12, you can find an engineer who's registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vehicles. You should also contact CORGI, the organization that regulates the industry (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer is registered to conduct CP12 inspections.
Another option is to use a simple landlord software such as Klipboard, which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and conveniently in the field without needing to keep track of heavy pads of paper. They can also set up service reminders to send out notifications to their clients when the next check is due.
How long do they last?
The certificate issued to a landlord who successfully completes a CP12 is valid for 12 months following the date of the inspection. It is crucial that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and to ensure that their certificate does not expire. If it does not the landlord will be penalized for violating the law.
There are a variety of reasons landlords fail to renew their CP12. One of the most frequent reasons is that they forget. This is not a good excuse and the best option in this situation is to gently remind them that the gas safety check is due and then make sure to schedule the check as soon as possible.
A CP12 is not an extension period. Any landlord who fails to renew their certificate after the expiry date is in breach of the law. This could mean that they won't be able to rent out their property and may even be in danger of being cut off from gas off if the issue isn't addressed immediately.
Gas Safe Register, which is operated by the UK Health and Safety Executive, registers all engineers who are authorised to perform CP12 inspections and issues gas safety certificates. You can see the logo of the official organization on the uniforms and vans of their firms. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required to book an inspection. This registration number is unique and can be used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I purchase one?
Only how long does a gas safety certificate last who are registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This assures that the engineer is fully qualified to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will inform the landlord that the appliance has failed the test and will recommend that any repairs required be completed prior to issuing a new certificate. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
Inability to obtain a valid CP12 could pose significant risk to the health and safety of tenants and puts the landlord in breach of the law. Not only can faulty appliances produce carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odourless but they may also cause explosions and fires. Additionally, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from being safely expelled from the property, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks can reduce these risks as any issues can be resolved quickly. According to the instructions or manuals provided by the manufacturer landlords are also responsible for performing annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. Landlords are also required to keep a record of all maintenance work.
With the aid of software that is free for landlords such as BOXT, it is simpler to keep track of these important tasks. This can be done by setting a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure that their tenants have an official CP12 within the timeframe required. This helps avoid the fines and disruption caused by not following the law.