What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipework and appliances used in rental properties must be examined annually by qualified engineers. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and should be conducted annually.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 It was the official UK gas inspection document up to April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificate for a period of two years, in order to be reviewed.
What is a CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 is documentation from an Gas Safe registered engineer that certifies that the gas appliances and installations have been checked and approved. It is a legal requirement in the UK for landlords to give this certificate. This is to ensure the health and safety of their tenants. Landlords are required to arrange and stay up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, maintain their gas systems in a good condition, and provide the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day period following each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official title for the document from 1991 until April 2009. In April of that year the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) was replaced by Gas Safe Register. This led to the CP12 became commonly known as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also include the name of the engineer who carried out the inspection and any immediate safety precautions that are required. The location of each gas appliance is recorded as are any tests conducted on ventilation and flues.
It is essential that landlords have a CP12 in order for tenants to complain about landlords under section 21 of 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. In some cases this could result in fines or even eviction.
Gas appliances that fail can create carbon monoxide. This odorless, colourless gas can be deadly when inhaled. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely exiting the property, posing another fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the chance to inform tenants about any potential risks within a property.
While it is legally required to keep a CP12 in place, the process can be daunting for landlords of all kinds. There are services that can help ease the process. For example, Klipboard allows landlords to schedule their annual gas inspections ahead of time and receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services can save both time and money for landlords, while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the annual checkups?
As a landlord you are responsible for providing a safe environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring that all gas appliances are up to standards. This is why it's crucial to have CP12 checks carried out every year and to give the copies of these certificates to your tenants as soon as they move in. If a landlord doesn't provide an authentic CP12 they can be fined or even imprisoned.
A CP12 document is created by a qualified gas engineer who checks all the gas pipework, appliances, and flues that are in your home. The CP12 contains the engineer's contact information as well as an explanation and the where each appliance is located. The CP12 will also include an expiry date on it. Once it has expired, you will need to schedule another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
The CP12 is only available to engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is because the document is part of the building safety laws that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords must legally perform a CP12 inspection on their property when it is let. They must also keep a record of the check and give a copy to their new or existing tenants. If the landlord fails to follow through with the requirements, they could be fined or even imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords vary based on the purpose of the property, but there are some basic rules that all must follow. These include ensuring that the gas system and appliances are safe for tenants to use, maintaining repairs and maintenance, and providing any documentation required when selling or moving out of a property.
It is important to bring this up politely with your landlord if you think that they are not meeting their legal obligations related to building safety. It's possible they forgot to book a CP12 appointment, and by bringing up the issue, you'll give them the chance to do so before they are subject to any penalties. If gas safety certificate how often continue to not follow the law, you can make a complaint to the HSE for a crime against public health.
What is included in a routine checkup?
The CP12 is an important tool that protects your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is legally required in the UK for landlords, so display it prominently. Also give a copy to each tenant. This will show that you are concerned about your tenants' safety and take proactive steps to maintain property standards.
A CP12 report contains information about the gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It should be completed by a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer. It should comprise the following information:
Description and the location of all gas appliances. If the appliance have passed or failed the inspection. Name, registration number, and signature of the engineer. The date of the inspection.
If any of the equipment isn't safe to use, the engineer must inform you and advise you of the needed remedial work. You must then arrange to have it repaired before the new CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not just check the appliances in themselves, but also the exhausts and flues in your home. This will ensure that they operate at the right pressure, are leak-free and are operating safely. The test will also ensure that the appliances are burning gas correctly.
Your CP12 will also include the dates for all future inspections. It is recommended that your next inspections take place 12 months after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a current CP12 and will avoid any delays in distributing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on the landlord's file for at least two years. You must give an original copy to your tenant at the time they move in. You must give an updated CP12 within 28 days after each inspection.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require you to ensure that all your properties rented to tenants are tested annually for gas appliances. If your tenant refuses to allow you access to their property for these safety checks You must write to them and explain that this is legally required. You can also ask them to give access. If they still refuse, you can only disconnect the gas supply after having taken reasonable steps to gain access.
How can I get a CP12?
The process of obtaining an CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that requires locating an engineer registered with Gas Safe to conduct an inspection of your property. There are numerous companies that provide CP12 checks and it is a good idea to conduct an initial Google search to locate one in your local area. Once you've found an engineer, you can schedule an appointment for them to come and carry out the inspection.
Landlords must have a CP12 certification prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings are working safely and properly. Gas safety regulations can lead to severe fines or even jail time if they are not followed. The valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace of assurance that they are making sure their tenants are safe and meeting the legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate whether or not the appliance has passed or failed the safety test. It will also include any suggestions for actions or repairs that are required to ensure the appliance's security. Landlords are required to respond within 28 days. They must also provide their tenants copies of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
If a landlord fails to have a CP12 in place, they may be fined by the Health and Safety Executive. Additionally, gas safety certificate how often could lose the right to expel their tenants under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it harder for landlords who are concerned about safety to rent their properties.
While a CP12 is a legal requirement for landlords, there are some who are hesitant to perform an annual check. They typically make reasons like forgetting, being too busy or going out on vacation. This could pose a significant risk to tenant safety, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a hidden danger that can cause illness and even death.
Landlords can avoid this by reminding tenants of the upcoming inspection. One way to do this is to utilize a landlord management tool like Klipboard that allows users to set reminders for service appointments, including CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent by SMS, email or a mobile apps and will aid tenants in staying on up to date with their maintenance obligations.