What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords are required to have the gas pipes and appliances inspected by certified engineers to ensure they are safe. The annual checks are called CP12 certificates.
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 in case of auditing.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety cp12 certificate is an official document issued by an Gas Safe registered Engineer that confirms all gas appliances and installations within the property have been thoroughly examined. It is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and well-being. Landlords must organize and keep up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, keep their gas systems in a good condition, and provide the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day time frame following each inspection.
The CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Proforma 12 which was the official title of the document from 1991 until 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.
In addition to the name and contact details of the engineer that conducted the checkup in addition to the name of the engineer who performed the checkup, the CP12 will include the specifics of each appliance inspected and any immediate actions required to ensure safety. The location of each gas appliance is also recorded along with the results of any tests performed on ventilation, flues and other vital information.
It is essential for landlords to have a CP12 as without one, tenants can complain about the landlord to authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. This could result in fines and even eviction in certain cases.
Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide. It is a colorless and odourless gas that could be fatal if inhaled. Additionally blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely exiting the building, creating another fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the chance to inform tenants of any risks that could be present in the premises.
While it is a legal requirement to keep a CP12 in place but the process can be daunting for landlords of all kinds. There are services that can help ease the process. Klipboard, for example, lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections and get reminders when it's time to renew. These services can save both time and money for landlords as well as making sure that they're up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the checkup?
As landlords, you need to provide a safe place to live for your tenants, and that includes making sure that all of the gas appliances meet standards. It is essential to have CP12 inspections every year, and to provide copies of these certificates immediately after your tenants move into your property. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 could be penalized, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is produced by a qualified gas engineer who inspects every gas pipework, appliances, and flues in your home. The CP12 contains the contact details of the engineer along with an explanation and the where each appliance is located. The CP12 also has an expiry date. After it expires you must book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It is also important to note that the CP12 is only produced by engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is a part the building safety laws that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally obliged to carry out an CP12 inspection of their properties when they lease them out. They must also keep a record of this and give a copy to their current or new tenants. In the event of a breach, it could lead to fines or imprisonment for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords vary based on the purpose of the property, but there are a few basic rules that all landlords must follow. These include making sure that the gas system is safe for tenants, repairing and maintaining the property, and supplying the necessary documentation to sell or move out.
If you believe that your landlord isn't upholding their legal obligations regarding building safety, then it's a good idea to bring this issue to them. You may find that your landlord has neglected to book the CP12 and you could give them another opportunity to do so. If they don't comply with the law, you can make a complaint to the HSE for an offence against public health.
What is included in the health checkup?
The CP12 is a device which can shield your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It is an obligation under the law in the UK for landlords, so display it prominently. Also, give the CP12 to each tenant. This will demonstrate that you care about the safety of your tenants, and you take proactive steps to maintain property standards.
A CP12 is a report that contains details of all the gas appliances and pipework in your rental property. It must be prepared by a registered and certified Gas Safe engineer. It must include the following:
Description and location of gas appliances. If the appliance have passed or failed the inspection. The name of the engineer, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
If any of the equipment is unsafe for use, the engineer should inform you and inform you of the necessary remedial steps. Then, you must arrange that it be repaired before the new CP12 is issued.
In addition to checking the appliances, the CP12 will also examine the exhaust systems and flues within your home. This ensures that they're operating at the right pressure, are leak-free and operate safely. The test will also verify that the appliances are burning gas properly.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for all future inspections. It is recommended that your subsequent inspections occur one year after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a CP12 valid and avoid any delays when you issue new certificates.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on file by a landlord for a minimum of two years. You must provide a copy of the CP12 to your tenant at the time of their move-in, and you must issue a new CP12 following each inspection within 28 days.
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 is not willing to allow access for these checks, you have to write to them explaining that the safety checks are legally required and request that they allow access. If they refuse to allow access, you will only be able to disconnect their gas after you have taken all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
What is the best way to get CP12?
Getting the CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that requires you to find a Gas Safe Registered engineer to carry out an inspection of your property. You can find many companies in your area that provide CP12 inspections. A quick Google search will help you find one. Once you've located an engineer, you can set up an appointment with them to visit and carry out the inspection.
Landlords must hold a CP12 certification prior to renting their property. This is to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings and flues work safely and are secure. Failure to comply with gas safety regulations could result in heavy fines, and even prison in some cases. Having a valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace mind that they are protecting their tenants and complying with legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate if each appliance has passed the safety test or failed. It will also include any recommendations for action or repairs that are needed to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords must make sure that they follow the recommended actions within 28 days. gas safety certificate replacement must also provide tenants with copies of the CP12 certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine the landlord if they do not have a CP12 on file. They also lose the right to evict tenants in accordance with Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it much harder for landlords to rent their properties, especially if they are worried about security concerns.
While a CP12 could be legally required however, some landlords are hesitant to perform an annual check. Many landlords use excuses such as forgetting, being busy, or going on vacation. This could pose a significant danger to the safety of tenants, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a hidden danger that can cause illness and even death.
Landlords can prevent this by giving their tenants clear reminders of the coming inspection. One such way is to use an application for managing landlords, such as Klipboard that allows users to schedule reminders for service appointments, which includes CP12 renewals. These reminders can be delivered via SMS, email, or on the mobile app, and will aid them in staying on top of their rental maintenance obligations.