What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipework and appliances in rental properties should be inspected annually by qualified engineers. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and should be performed every year.
CORGI Proforma 12, or CP12 was the official UK Gas Inspection Document until April 2009. Landlords have to keep copies their CP12 certificate for two years in order to be reviewed.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord's gas safety Cp12 certificate is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that certifies that all gas appliances and installations within the property have been checked. This is an obligation for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and well-being. Landlords are accountable for arranging and keeping up-to-date with CP12 gas inspections, ensuring that their gas systems in good condition and providing the CP12 documents to their tenants within 28 days after each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation form of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name of the document from 1991 to April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. This led to the CP12 was popularly referred to as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the details of the person who performed the inspection In addition to the details of the engineer who conducted the checkup, the CP12 will include the specific details of each appliance inspected and any immediate actions required to ensure safety. The location of every gas appliance is recorded, as are any tests conducted on the flues and vents.
It is crucial for landlords to have a CP12 because without one, tenants could complain about the landlord to authorities in section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In certain cases it could lead to fines or even the possibility of eviction.
Gas appliances that fail can release carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal when inhaled. The blockage of flues can hinder harmful gases from leaving the property safely, creating an additional fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the opportunity to inform tenants of the potential hazards within a property.
While it is legally required to maintain a CP12 in place, the process can be daunting for landlords of all kinds. Fortunately, there are services that can help simplify the process. Klipboard for instance, lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections, and also receive reminders about when to renew. These services can save both time and money for landlords while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the checkups?
As an owner, you are required to provide a safe place to live for your tenants, and this includes ensuring that all gas appliances are up to standards. This is why it's important to get CP12 checks carried out every year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants immediately upon moving in. If a landlord isn't able to provide a valid CP12 they could be fined or even sentenced to prison.
A CP12 document is produced by a specialist gas engineer who checks all the gas pipework, appliances and flues in your home. The CP12 will include the engineer's details and the whereabouts of each appliance and its description. The CP12 also has an expiry date. If it is expired it is necessary to book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to have it renewed.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 is only produced by engineers who have been registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is part the laws governing safety in the construction industry which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct a CP12 inspection of their property when it is let. They must also keep a record of this and provide their current or new tenants with a copy the certificate. If the landlord fails to comply with the requirements, they could be fined or even imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords vary based on the purpose of the property, but there are some basic rules that all must follow. This includes making sure that the gas system and all appliances are safe for tenants to use, keeping up with repairs and maintenance, and providing any documentation required when selling or moving out of a property.
If you believe that your landlord isn't adhering to their legal obligations with regard to building safety, then it's worth politely bringing this up with them. You may discover that your landlord didn't remember to schedule a CP12 and you could offer them a second chance to do it. If they continue to not comply with the laws, then you may make a complaint to the HSE for the crime of committing a health hazard.
What is included in a health checkup?
The CP12 is a crucial tool that protects your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's a legal requirement for landlords in the UK therefore ensure that you keep it in your property and give a copy of it to your tenants. This will show that you prioritise your tenants' safety and take proactive steps to ensure that your property is in good condition.
A CP12 report contains information about all gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be prepared by a licensed and qualified Gas Safe engineer. It must include:
Description and location of all gas appliances. The appliance's condition, whether it have passed or failed the inspection. Name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the inspection.
The engineer must notify you that any equipment is unsafe to use and provide you with the necessary remedial work. You must make arrangements that the equipment be repaired prior to the CP12 can issued.
The CP12 will not only check the appliances, but also the flues and exhausts in your home. This will make sure that they operate at the right pressure and are free of leaks. The test will also ensure that the appliances are burning gas correctly.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for future inspections. It is recommended to plan your next inspections to take place 12 months from the previous one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and will avoid any delays when issuing new certificates.
landlord gas safety certificate cost must be kept on the landlord's file for at least two years. You must provide a copy of the CP12 to your tenant at the moment of their move-in. you must issue a new CP12 after each inspection, within 28 days.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require you to ensure that all your properties rented to tenants are tested every year for gas appliances. However, if your tenant is not willing to allow access for these checks, you have to inform them that the safety checks are a legal requirement and request that they allow access. If they refuse, you can only disconnect the gas supply after having taken all reasonable steps to gain access.
How do I get a CP12?
To obtain the CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that requires locating an engineer who is Gas Safe registered to conduct a safety check on your property. There are a variety of companies that offer CP12 inspections, and it's a good idea to do an initial Google search to locate one in your local area. Once you've identified an engineer, you can arrange an appointment with them to come out and perform the inspection.
Landlords are legally obliged to be able to show a CP12 certificate in place prior to renting their property. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings operate safely and are secure. Gas safety regulations could result in massive fines and even imprisonment when they are not adhered to. The valid CP12 certification can also give landlords peace of assurance that they are protecting their tenants and complying with legal requirements.
The CP12 will show whether the appliance has passed the safety test or failed. It will also provide any suggestions for actions or repairs that are required to make the appliance safe. Landlords are required to take action within 28 days. They should also provide their tenants the copy of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
If a landlord fails to have a CP12 in place, they may be fined by the Health and Safety Executive. In addition, they may lose the right to expel tenants in accordance with Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it harder for landlords worried about the safety of renting their properties.
While a CP12 is a legal requirement for landlords, some are reluctant to carry out an annual check. They typically make reasons like not remembering, being too busy, or having to travel out on vacation. This can be a serious threat to the safety of tenants since carbon monoxide poisoning is a hidden danger that can cause illness or even death.
Landlords can stop this from happening by providing their tenants with clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. Klipboard is a tool that allows users to set up reminders for appointments such as CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent via SMS, email or mobile apps, and can aid tenants in staying on up to date with their maintenance obligations.