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 guarantees that all appliances are safe and comply with the law.
Landlords should also keep a record for every inspection. This is important in the event that the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue the gas safety cp12 certification to any person renting out a property with gas piping at least once per year. Landlords must present the certificates at the start of a new tenancy tenants and keep copies as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who do not comply with the law are putting their tenants at risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning, and are facing potential legal actions. They also run the risk of losing their insurance coverage for landlords.
To conduct an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate engineers need access to the property and the full information of all appliances that need being checked, and the manufacturer and model of each appliance, as well as access to the manufacturer's specifications. Engineers should also be able to ensure that every appliance functions correctly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment is in good condition.
Any problems identified during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and suggested solutions. If the issue cannot be fixed then a further inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued when the problem is resolved. The CP12 will contain the date of the next inspection. It is crucial to schedule this quickly in order to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can complete an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords can look online for an engineer certified by Gas Safe in their area.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer following a thorough examination of gas appliances, fittings and flues in a property. This certificate is an essential part of the landlord's duties under UK law. It helps to ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to follow the law are subject to severe penalties which include fines and even imprisonment.
The CP12 is a complete document that lists all of the gas appliances in the home, along with specific information about each inspection, as well as any issues identified. The document also lists 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. Landlords are required to provide an original copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days following their annual inspection or prior to the tenant moving in.
When selecting the Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct an CP12 inspection It is crucial to choose a reputable professional who has the experience and reputation needed to provide an extensive inspection. The best way to verify an engineer's credentials is to examine their Gas Safe ID card, which includes their registration number as well as the type of work they're qualified to do. You can also read reviews and recommendations by other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, which could include fines and even jail time. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 can lead to the cancellation of landlords' insurance policies which could leave them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related incident. To avoid these risks the best way to protect yourself is to schedule regular inspections by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that your properties are all equipped with CP12s.
How do I obtain one?
A CP12 is an official document that proves that gas appliances in the property were inspected for safety. It is a legal requirement for landlords to get and maintain a CP12 for every building they rent out to tenants. A CP12 includes the details of the inspection, including whether each appliance passed or failed, as well as any work required to bring them up to standards. This allows tenants to know what they are getting from a rental property, and can help keep landlords from having to pay unexpected costs if there is an issue.
A landlord must give a copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days after the inspection. They should also keep records for their own reference. Landlords should also be sure to renew their CP12 before the expiration date, as failure to do this could expose them to a penalty fine or even criminal prosecution.
Getting the 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 identify any issues that could arise in the gas supply or appliances in your rental property, which can be fixed before they turn into bigger problems.
If you're looking to get a CP12, you can find an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vehicles. You should also check with CORGI, the organization that regulates the industry (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer has been registered to perform CP12 inspections.
Another option is to use a simple landlord software, like Klipboard which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and easily in the field, without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also set up service reminders to notify their customers when the next check is due.
How long do they last?
gas certificates MK Gas Safety issued to the landlord who has successfully completed a CP12 is valid for a period of 12 months after the date of the inspection. This is why it is essential for landlords to book regular CP12 checks and to ensure that their certificate doesn't run out. If it doesn't the landlord will be punished for breaking the law.
Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords fail to have their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent is that they simply forget. This isn't a good excuse, and the best option in this scenario is to politely remind them that their gas safety check is due and plan the check right away.
A CP12 does not come with an extension period. Any landlord who fails renew their certificate before the expiry date is in violation of the law. This could mean that they will not be able to rent their property and could risk being cut off from gas off if the issue isn't addressed 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. This is an official organisation and you will be able to see their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they are employed by. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when booking an inspection. This registration number is unique and can be used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I get one?
Only engineers who are registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This ensures the engineer is qualified to conduct an extensive inspection. The engineer will inform the landlord if the appliance fails the test and suggest that any necessary repairs be made before issuing the new certificate. The landlord is required to provide an original copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the time that the inspection took place.
A valid CP12 is essential for the safety and health of tenants. It also puts the landlord in violation of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can generate carbon monoxide, a gas that is colourless and odourless, but they can also trigger explosions and fires. Additionally, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from being safely emitted from the building, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help reduce the risk, since any issues that need to be addressed can be dealt with quickly. According to the instructions or manuals issued by the manufacturer landlords are also accountable to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. The landlord must also keep a record of all maintenance work.
Thankfully, with the aid of landlord free software like BOXT, keeping track of these vital tasks is much easier for landlords. Whether this is by setting a reminder to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that tenants receive an up to date CP12 within the timeframe required. Ultimately, this helps to avoid the hassles and fines that can come from not complying with the law.