Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone renting out a part of their property is required to obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and in compliance with the law.
Landlords should also keep records of all inspections. This can be useful in the event that they decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone renting out a property that has gas piping is legally required to have it inspected and a gas safety certificate Cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once a year. Landlords must present the certificates at the beginning of a new tenancy to tenants and keep copies as long as the property remains owned by them.
Landlords who don't comply with the law put their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and could face possible legal actions. They also risk losing the landlord insurance cover.
In order to conduct an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers must have access to the premises as well as the complete details of all appliances in need of checking and the make and model details for each appliance, as well as access to the specifications of the manufacturer. The engineers must also be able to verify that every appliance is functioning correctly and that all pipes and fittings are in good condition and safely secured.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and solutions will be suggested. If the faults cannot be fixed then another inspection is required and a new certificate will be issued once the issue is resolved. The CP12 will include the date of the next inspection. It is important to schedule this quickly so that you do not run into any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can complete an assessment and issue gas safety certificates . Landlords can check online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer with competitive prices and a reliable service to ensure their tenants are safe from potentially dangerous gas-related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings in a property. This certificate is a vital element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords that do not adhere to the law can face severe penalties including penalties like fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 is a comprehensive document that includes all the gas appliances in the home, along with specific details for every inspection and any issues identified. The document also includes the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was conducted. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection or before the tenant is moved in.
When choosing a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection It is crucial to choose a professional with the expertise and credibility required to conduct a thorough examination. The most reliable method of confirming an engineer's credentials is to check their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number as well as the type of work they are able to carry out. You can also read reviews and recommendations by other landlords.
Landlords who fail to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of hefty legal penalties, which could include fines and even jail time. In addition, lack of a CP12 can lead to the invalidation of insurance policies for landlords which could leave them financially vulnerable in the case of a gas-related event. To reduce the risk, the best strategy is to schedule annual inspections by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that your properties are all equipped with CP12s.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is a document that certifies that the gas appliances within the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every building they rent to tenants. A CP12 provides details about the inspection, including whether each appliance passed or failed, and any work needed to bring them up to standard. This helps tenants understand what to expect when renting out a property and it helps to avoid costly costs for landlords if there is a problem.
A landlord must give an official copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days after the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords should also make sure to renew their CP12 before it expires in the event that they fail to do so could leave them open to a penalty fine, or even criminal prosecution.
Getting a CP12 isn't just a legal requirement but it's also important to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will reveal any potential problems in the gas supply of your rental property or appliances, so they can be addressed before they become a bigger issue.
If you're interested in getting a CP12 You can locate an engineer who's registered with Gas Safe online. You can recognise them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniform or on their service vans. gas safety certificate uk 's also worth checking with the CORGI's governing body CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is licensed to conduct CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a simple landlord software like Klipboard which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and effortlessly in the field, without having to keep track of bulky pads of paper. They can also create service reminders that notify their customers when the next check is due.
How long do they last?
The certificate issued to the landlord who has successfully completed a CP12 is valid for 12 months after the date of the inspection. It is therefore essential that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and make sure that their certificate doesn't expire. If it does then the landlord is in violation of the law and could face a fine.
There are many reasons why landlords do not renew their CP12. One of the most common is that they simply forget. This is not a good excuse, and the best option in this scenario is to politely remind them that their gas safety check is due and make sure to schedule the check as soon as possible.
It is important to note that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who doesn't renew their certificate after the expiry date will be in violation of the law. This could mean that they will not be able to rent their property and may even be at risk of losing their gas supply off if the problem isn't fixed straight away.
All engineers who have been 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 will see the logo of this official organisation on the uniforms and vans of their firms. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when booking an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to find their details on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about their status.
Where can I get one?
Only engineers who are registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. This ensures the engineer is competent to perform an extensive inspection. The engineer will notify the landlord that the appliance has failed the test and suggest that any repairs required be completed prior to issuing the new certificate. The landlord must give a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the inspection taking place.
Inability to obtain a valid CP12 poses significant dangers to health and safety for tenants, as well as putting the landlord in breach of the law. Faulty appliances can produce inodorless and colourless carbon monoxide. They also can cause fires and explosions. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely expelled 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 need to be addressed will be addressed quickly. According to certificate cost or manuals issued by the manufacturer landlords are also accountable to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. Landlords must also keep a record of every maintenance work.
With the aid of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these vital tasks is a lot easier for landlords. Whether this is by setting a reminder to issue an CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that their tenants receive a valid and up to date CP12 within the required timeframe. This will help avoid fines and other issues that could arise from failure to comply with the law.