Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who rents out part or all of their property must obtain a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and comply with the law.
Landlords should also keep records of all inspections. This is important should the landlord decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who leases an apartment that has gas piping is legally required to have it examined and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once every year. Landlords must give the certificates to new 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 comply with the law put their tenants at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide and could be subject to legal actions. They also risk losing their landlord insurance coverage.
To carry out an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate engineers must have access to the building as well as the complete details of all appliances that need being checked, and the manufacturer and model information for each appliance, as well as access to the specifications of the manufacturer. The engineers must also be able to confirm that each appliance is operating properly and that all pipework and fittings are in good condition and securely secured.
Any issues that are discovered during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and the suggested remedies. If the issues cannot be corrected, a further inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued once the problem is resolved. The date on which the next inspection is due to be included on the CP12 and must be scheduled in a timely manner to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should select an engineer who offers competitive prices and a reliable service to ensure their tenants are protected from deadly gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings in a property. This certificate is a vital part of the landlord's obligations under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not comply with the law could face severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 document contains a complete list of all gas appliances located in the property, as well as specific details regarding each inspection and any issues that were discovered. The document also lists 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 tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection or before a new tenant is moved in.
It is crucial to choose a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct a CP12 exam. This professional should have the knowledge and expertise to provide a thorough inspection. Examining the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the best method of confirming their credentials. The card contains their registration number as well as the types of work they are qualified to do. You can also look up reviews and recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who do not maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, which could include penalties like fines or 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. The most effective method for avoiding the risk is to keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that demonstrates that the gas appliances in the property have been checked for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every building they rent to tenants. A CP12 includes details of the inspection including whether or not each appliance was passed, as well as any work needed to bring them back up-to-date. This informs tenants of what they are getting from a rental property, and can help prevent landlords from incurring unexpected expenses if there's a problem.
A landlord must give a copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days of the inspection. They should also keep records for their own reference. Landlords must also renew their CP12 before the expiration date or else they could be subject to a fine or criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain an CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also important for the health and well-being of your tenants. A CP12 certificate will highlight any issues that could arise with the gas supply and appliances in your rental properties that can be addressed before they turn into 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 identify them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniform or that is displayed on their service vans. It's also worth contacting the CORGI's governing body CORGI (now Gas Safe) to make sure that your engineer is registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a software-based landlord solution that allows engineers to quickly and efficiently complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates in the field, without having to keep track of bulky paper pads. They can also create service reminders that send out notifications to their clients when the next check is due.
How long will gas certificates last?
The certificate given to the landlord who has successfully completed a CP12 is valid for a period of 12 months after the date of the inspection. It is crucial that landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and make sure that their certificate does not expire. If it does not the landlord will be penalized for violating the law.
Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords might not have their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent reasons is that they forget. This is not a valid excuse, and the best thing to do in this case is to gently remind them that the gas safety check is due and schedule the check immediately.
A CP12 does not come with an extension period. If a landlord fails to renew their certificate before the expiry date is in violation of the law. This could mean that they will not be able to let their property and could be in danger of being cut off from gas off if the problem isn't addressed immediately.
Gas Safe Register, which is run by the UK Health and Safety Executive is a register of all engineers that are authorized for CP12 inspections and issuing gas safety certificates. It is an official organization and you will be able to see their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they work for. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when booking an inspection. This registration number is unique and is used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I buy one?
Only engineers registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. Read More Listed here ensures the engineer is fully qualified for an in-depth inspection. If appliances fail the inspection the engineer will notify the landlord and recommend any required repairs to be made before a new certificate can be issued. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
A valid CP12 is essential for the safety and health of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. Appliances that are not functioning properly can create inodorless and colourless carbon monoxide. They also can cause fires and explosions. Blocked flues can also prevent harmful gases from being safely emitted out of the property, increasing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks can minimize the risks, as any issues can be resolved quickly. The landlord is also accountable for carrying out annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or manuals. The landlord must also keep a log of all maintenance work.
Thankfully, with the aid of free landlord software such as BOXT, keeping track of these crucial tasks is a lot easier for landlords. Whether this is by setting an appointment to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that their tenants get an up to date CP12 within the timeframe required. This helps avoid the fines and disruption that can come from not following the law.