Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone renting out a part of or their entire property is required to obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and complies with the law.
Landlords also need to keep the records of all inspections. This will be useful should the landlord decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone who rents out a property that has gas piping is legally required to have it checked and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once every year. The landlord is required to provide the certificates to tenants on the start of a tenancy. They must also 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 carbon monoxide poisoning, and are facing potential legal actions. They also risk losing their insurance coverage for landlords.
To carry out an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate, engineers must have access to the premises, full details of all appliances that require checking and the make and model of each appliance, along with access to the specifications of the manufacturer. The engineers must also be able to verify that each appliance is functioning properly and that all pipework and fittings are in good working order and safely secured.
Any problems found during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and solutions will be suggested. If the issue are not fixed, then a further inspection will be needed and a new certificate will be issued after the issue is resolved. The date when the next inspection is scheduled will be included on the CP12 and must be scheduled promptly to prevent any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified to complete an assessment and issue a gas safety certificate. Landlords can look on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should pick an engineer with affordable prices and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are protected from potentially dangerous gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer after a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings within the building. This certificate is a vital part of the landlord's obligations under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to comply with the law could face severe penalties including penalties like fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 document is a complete listing of all gas appliances located in the building, as well as specific details regarding each inspection and any issues that were 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. The landlord must provide each tenant with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before the tenant moves in.
It is crucial to choose a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct an CP12 examination. The professional must have the knowledge and expertise to conduct a thorough examination. The best method to confirm the credentials of an engineer is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which includes their registration number as well as the types of work they are able to perform. gas safety certificate check can also read reviews and recommendations by other landlords.
Landlords who do not maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, such as fines and even jail time. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 could result in the cancellation of insurance policies for landlords, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. The best way to avoiding these risks is to ensure that you keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a licensed Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that confirms that gas appliances in the property were inspected for safety. It is a legal requirement for landlords to obtain and maintain one for each building they rent out to tenants. A CP12 includes details of the inspection, such as the degree to which each appliance was passed, as well as any work required to bring them back up-to-date. This lets tenants know what to expect when renting out an apartment or house, and helps to avoid costly costs for the landlord if an issue arises.
A landlord must provide an official copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days following the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords must also renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires or they could be liable to a fine or criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate isn't just legal, but it is also important for the health of your tenants and well-being. A CP12 certificate will identify any potential issues with the gas supply and appliances in your rental properties and can be rectified before they turn into bigger problems.
You can locate an engineer registered on the internet if you're looking for a CP12. You can recognize them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniform or that is displayed on their service vans. You should also check with CORGI the authority (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer is registered to perform CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a streamlined landlord software solution such as Klipboard that allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and effortlessly in the field without needing to keep track of bulky 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? for?
When a landlord completes the CP12 and passes it the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of inspection. This is why it's vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 checks and to ensure that their certificate does not run out. If it doesn't the landlord is punished for breaking the law.
There are many reasons why landlords fail to renew their CP12. One of the most common reasons is that they do not remember. This isn't an excuse. The best option is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due, and then make it a point to schedule it right away.
It is important to note that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who fails to have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. If the problem is not fixed immediately, they may not be able to rent their home and even lose their gas supply.
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 can see the logo of the official organization on the uniforms and vans of their businesses. They also carry an Gas Safe registration number which they need to present when they book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to find their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about their status.
Where can I buy one?
Only engineers registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. This ensures that the engineer is fully competent to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will inform the landlord if the appliance fails the test and will recommend that any repairs required be made before issuing an updated certificate. The landlord must give a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the time that the inspection took place.
A valid CP12 is vital to the safety and health of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide that is odorless and colourless, but they can also trigger fires and explosions. Additionally blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely being ejected from the property, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks will help reduce these risks since any problems can be dealt with promptly. The landlord is also responsible for ensuring that annual maintenance is carried out on all gas appliances and pipes in their rental properties, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or manuals. The landlord should also keep a record of the maintenance work they carry out.
Thankfully, with the aid of landlord free software such as BOXT, keeping track of these crucial tasks is a lot easier for landlords. This can be done by setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure their tenants receive an authentic CP12 within the timeframe required. This helps avoid the fines and disruption that could result from not following the law.