Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Any person who rents out a part or all of their property has to get an CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This will ensure that the appliances are safe and in compliance with the law.
Landlords should also keep the records of all inspections. This is important if the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue the gas safety cp12 certification to anyone who leases a property with gas piping at least once per year. The landlord is required to provide the certificates to new tenants at the beginning of the tenancy and keep copies of any future inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who don't comply with the law are placing their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and could face potential legal actions. They also risk losing their landlord insurance cover.
Engineers require access to the premises for the purpose of conducting the inspection and issue a gas safety certificate. They also need to be aware of the model and manufacturer of each appliance, and have access to the manufacturer specifications. Engineers must also be able verify that each appliance functions correctly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment is in good condition.
Any problems found during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the issues are not addressed, a second inspection is required and a new certificate will be issued after the issue is resolved. The date that the next inspection is scheduled will be included on the CP12 and should be scheduled quickly to prevent any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorised to complete an assessment and issue the gas safety certificate. Landlords are able to search on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords can look online for an engineer certified by Gas Safe in their area.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances, fittings and flues in a property. This certificate is an essential part of the landlord's duties under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who don't follow the law are subject to severe penalties which include fines and even imprisonment.
The CP12 document is a comprehensive list of all gas appliances located in the property as well as specific details regarding every inspection and any issues that were found. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to give the CP12 copy to all tenants CP12 to each tenant within 28 days of their annual inspection, or prior to the tenant moving into the property.
It is crucial to choose an Gas Safe registered professional to conduct the CP12 exam. The professional must have the knowledge and expertise to conduct a thorough examination. The most reliable method of confirming the credentials of an engineer is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number and the types of work they're qualified to perform. You can also review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords that fail to maintain a valid CP12 are subject to severe legal penalties including fines and even imprisonment. A CP12 is also required for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the case of a gas related incident. The most effective method for avoiding the risk is to keep all of your properties' CP12s current and up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a licensed Gas Safe engineer.
How do I obtain one?
landlord gas safety certificate cp12 is an official document that confirms that the gas appliances within the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for each building they rent to tenants. A CP12 contains specifics of the inspection, including whether or not each appliance was inspected, as well as any work needed to bring them back up-to-date. This informs tenants of what they can expect from a rental property, and can help stop landlords from incurring unanticipated costs if there is an issue.
A landlord must give an original copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days following the inspection. They should 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 an CP12 isn't just a legal requirement but it's also important to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 certificate will reveal any issues that could arise regarding the gas supply and appliances in your rental properties, which can be fixed before they grow into larger problems.
You can find an engineer who is registered on the internet if you're looking for an CP12. You can identify them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms or that is displayed on their service vans. It is also advisable to check with CORGI the organization that regulates the industry (now Gas Safe), to ensure that your engineer has been registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a landlord software solution that allows engineers to quickly and easily complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates while on the field without keeping 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 do they last? for?
When a landlord completes an CP12 and passes it the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of inspection. It is therefore important for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and make sure that their certificates do not expire. If it does not the landlord is fined for breaking the law.
There are a variety of reasons why landlords might not receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most common reasons is that they forget. This is not a good excuse, and the best option in this scenario is to politely 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 a grace period. If a landlord fails to renew their certificate after the expiry date is in violation of the law. This could mean they won't be able to let their property and may even be in danger of losing their gas supply off if the problem isn't resolved immediately.
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 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 search their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are ever unsure of their status.
Where can I find one?
Only engineers registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This ensures the engineer is competent to perform an extensive inspection. The engineer will inform the landlord if the appliance fails the test and will recommend that any repairs required be made prior to issuance of an updated certificate. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days following the inspection.
Invalid CP12 can pose serious dangers to health and safety for tenants as well as putting the landlord in violation of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can generate carbon monoxide, a gas that is colourless and odourless, but they also can cause explosions and fires. The blocked flues also hinder harmful gases from being safely emitted from the building, increasing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety inspections can help to minimize the risks, because any issues can be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals issued by the manufacturer landlords are also accountable for performing annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. Landlords are also required to keep a record of every maintenance work.
Fortunately, with the help of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these vital tasks is much easier for landlords. Whether this is by setting a reminder to issue an CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that their tenants receive a valid and up to date CP12 within the timeframe required. This will help avoid penalties and other issues that may arise from failing to comply with the law.