Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who leases out a portion of their property or the entire one must have a CP12 gas safety certificate. This guarantees that all appliances are safe and complies with the law.
Landlords must also keep the records of all inspections. This is important in the event that the landlord decides to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone renting out properties that have gas piping is legally required to have it checked and a gas safety certificate cp12 issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer once a year. The landlord must present the certificates at the start of a new lease to tenants and keep copies as long as the property remains owned by them.
Landlords who do not adhere to the law place their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and may be liable to legal action. They also risk losing their insurance protection for landlords.
Engineers need access to the premises for the purpose of conducting the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They must also know the model and make of each appliance, and have access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers must also verify that each appliance functions properly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment is in good condition.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and remedies suggested. If the problem is not fixed, a second inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued when the issue is resolved. The CP12 will include the date of the next inspection. It is crucial to plan this appointment quickly so that you do not run into any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can complete an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can search on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords can check online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer following a thorough examination of gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings within the building. This certificate is an essential element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It helps to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not comply with the law could be punished severely, including fines and prison.
The CP12 document is a comprehensive listing of all gas appliances located in the building and provides specific details about each inspection and any issues that were discovered. The document also lists the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test and their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. Landlords must provide the CP12 copy to all tenants CP12 to all tenants within 28 days after their annual inspection or before a tenant moves into.
When choosing the Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection It is crucial to choose a reputable professional with the experience and credibility required to conduct an accurate inspection. Checking the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the most reliable method of confirming their credentials. The card will include their registration number as well as the types of work they are competent to do. You can also review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords that fail to maintain an active CP12 face serious legal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. A CP12 is also required for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the event of a gas-related incident. To minimize the risk the best option is to schedule annual inspections by an Gas Safe engineer to ensure that all your properties have CP12s.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that proves that the gas appliances inside a property were checked for safety. It is legally required for landlords to get and maintain a CP12 for every building they rent out to tenants. A CP12 includes the details of the inspection, such as whether each appliance passed or failed, as well as any work needed to bring them to a standard. This allows tenants to know what they can expect from a rental property, and also helps prevent landlords from incurring unexpected expenses if there's a problem.
A landlord must provide the new tenant with a copy of their CP12 within 28 days after the date of the inspection, as well as keeping records for their own use. Landlords must also renew their CP12 prior to its expiration, or they could face a fine or criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain an CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also crucial for the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will identify any potential issues with your rental property's gas supply or appliances, so that they can be addressed before they become a bigger issue.
You can find a registered engineer online if you are searching for an CP12. You can recognise them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vans. It's also worth contacting the CORGI's governing body CORGI (now Gas Safe) to make sure that your engineer is registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a software for landlords solution that allows engineers to quickly and easily complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates on the field without keeping track of bulky paper pads. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically send them a notification when their next inspection is due to be carried out.
How long are they expected to last?
If a landlord has completed an CP12 and is able to pass it, the certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of inspection. This is why it is vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate doesn't run out. If it doesn't the landlord will be fined for breaking the law.
There are many reasons landlords don't renew their CP12. One of the most common reasons is that they do not remember. This is not a good excuse, and the best thing to do in this scenario is to gently remind them that the gas safety check is due and schedule the check immediately.
A CP12 is not an extension period. If a landlord fails to renew their certificate prior to the expiry date is in breach of the law. This could mean they won't be able to rent out their property and could be in danger of losing their gas supply off if the problem isn't resolved immediately.
Gas Safe Register, which is managed by the UK Health and Safety Executive is a register of all engineers that are authorized to conduct CP12 inspections and to issue gas safety certificates. This is an official organisation and you'll be able to spot their logo on their uniforms as well as on the vans of the companies they work for. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required to book 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?
A CP12 can only be issued by an engineer registered on the Gas Safe Register. This assures that the engineer is fully competent to conduct an extensive inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will inform the landlord of any appliance that fails the test and will recommend that any repairs needed be made prior to issuance of an updated certificate. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days after 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. Appliances that are not functioning properly can create inodorless and colourless carbon monoxide. They may also trigger explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely emitted from the property, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help to minimize the risks, as any issues that require to be taken care of can be addressed promptly. According to the instructions or manuals issued by the manufacturer, landlords are also responsible for the annual maintenance of gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. Landlords should also keep records of the maintenance work carried out.
With the aid of software that is free for landlords such as BOXT, it is simpler to keep track of these vital tasks. 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 a valid and up to date CP12 within the stipulated timeframe. This helps avoid the hassles and fines that could result from not following the law.