What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords are required to have their property's gas pipework and appliances examined by qualified engineers to ensure they are safe. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and must be carried out annually.
CORGI Proforma 12, or CP12 was the official UK Gas Inspection Document until April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years to allow for auditing.
What is a CP12?
A landlord's gas safety Cp12 certificate is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that confirms that all gas appliances and installations within the property have been examined. It is legally required for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and wellbeing. Landlords are responsible for scheduling and staying up-to-date with CP12 gas inspections, maintaining their gas systems in good order and providing CP12 documents to their tenants within 28 days of each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name for the document from 1991 to April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. The CP12 was changed to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also contain the name of the engineer who performed the inspection, as well as any immediate safety precautions that are required. The location of every gas appliance is recorded, along with any tests performed on flues and ventilation.
It is essential that landlords have a CP12 in order for tenants to file complaints against landlords in accordance with section 21 of 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. In some instances it could lead to fines or even the possibility of eviction.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can create carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that could be fatal if inhaled. The blockage of flues can stop harmful gases from exiting the premises safely, causing an additional fire risk. The CP12 is also an opportunity for landlords to inform their tenants of any dangers that might exist within the property.
While it is legally required to keep a CP12 in place, the process can be difficult for landlords of all kinds. There are certificate cost of services that can help make the process simpler. Klipboard for instance, lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections and get reminders regarding when to renew. These services can save landlords both time and money while ensuring they're up to date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the checkups?
As a landlord, you have to provide a safe place to live for your tenants and this means ensuring that all gas appliances meet standards. It is essential to have CP12 inspections every year, and to provide copies of these certificates when your tenants move into the property. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 they could be penalized or even imprisoned.
A CP12 document is produced by a specialised gas engineer who inspects all gas pipework, appliances and flues that are in your home. The CP12 will contain the details of the engineer's name as well as the location of each appliance as well as its description. The CP12 will also include an expiry date on it. Once it expires, you will have to make another appointment with a qualified gas safe engineer to renew it.
The CP12 is only available to engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is because the document is a part of the laws on building safety that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords must legally conduct the CP12 inspection on their property immediately after it is let. They are also required to keep a record of the check and provide a copy to their new or existing tenants. If the landlord fails to comply with the requirements, they could be punished with a fine or even jail time.
The responsibilities of landlords are different depending on the way in which the property is used but there are some general rules that everyone has to follow. This includes making sure that the gas system and all appliances are safe for tenants to use, keeping up with repairs and maintenance, and providing all necessary documentation when selling or moving out of a home.
It's crucial to raise the issue respectfully with your landlord if you think that they are not meeting their legal obligations with regard to building safety. It's possible they forgot to book an appointment for a CP12 appointment. By raising the issue, you'll give them a chance to make it happen before they are subject to any penalties. If they fail to comply with the laws, you may report them to HSE as an act of harm to public health.
What is included in the checkup?
The CP12 is a vital tool to protect your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's legally required for landlords in the UK, so ensure that you have it displayed prominently and present a copy to your tenants. This will show that you prioritize your tenants' safety, and you take proactive steps to maintain property standards.
A CP12 report includes information about all gas appliances and pipework installed in your rental property. It must be signed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It must include:
Description and location of all gas appliances. If the appliance passed or failed the inspection. Name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
The engineer should inform you if any equipment is unsafe to use and give you the necessary remedial measures. You must make arrangements that the equipment be repaired prior to the CP12 is issued.
In addition to checking the appliances, the CP12 will also look at any exhaust systems and flues in your home. This will ensure that they operate at the right pressure, are not leaky and are operating safely. The test will also confirm that the appliances are burning gas correctly.
Along with a report of the inspection, your CP12 will include the dates on which future inspections are due. It is recommended that the next inspections occur 12 months after the previous one. This will ensure that you always have a current CP12 and will avoid any delays in the process of distributing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on file by a landlord for at least two years. You must present the certificate to your tenant when they move in and you must provide an updated CP12 within 28 days of each inspection.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that you must ensure all your properties that are rented have their gas appliances inspected every year. If your tenant refuses access for these checks, you have to inform them that the safety checks are legally required and ask them to allow you access. If they refuse the access, you are only able to shut off the gas supply after having taken all reasonable steps to gain access.
How do I obtain a CP12?
Getting an CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple procedure that requires locating an engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry out a safety check on your property. There are numerous businesses in your area which offer CP12 inspections. A quick Google search will help you find one. Once you've located an engineer, you can arrange a time to have them arrive and conduct the inspection.
Landlords must hold a CP12 certification before renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances including flues, fittings and fittings are working safely and properly. Failure to adhere to the regulations on gas safety could result in hefty fines, and even prison in some cases. Having a valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace of assurance that they're protecting their tenants and complying with legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate whether or not the appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety test. It will also include any recommendations for action or repairs that are needed to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords must ensure that they implement the recommended action within 28 days. They must also give their tenants a copy of CP12 within 28 days after the inspection.
If a landlord fails to have a CP12 in place, they could be penalized by the Health and Safety Executive. They will also lose the right to expel tenants under Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it more difficult for landlords who are concerned about the safety of renting their properties.
While a CP12 may be an obligation under the law, some landlords are reluctant to perform an annual check. They typically make reasons such as forgetting, being busy or needing to go to a holiday destination. This could pose a significant risk to tenant safety, as carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible danger that could cause illness and even death.
Landlords can stop this from happening by providing their tenants with clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. One way to do this is to utilize an application for managing landlords, such as Klipboard that allows users to set reminders for service appointments, including CP12 renewals. These reminders can be delivered via email, SMS or through the mobile app, and can help them stay on top of their obligations to maintain their rental.