Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who rents out part or all of their property must obtain a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures that all appliances are safe and that they are in compliance with the law.
Landlords should also keep a record for all inspections. This will come in handy in the event that they decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue the gas safety cp12 certification to any person renting out the property that has gas piping at least once a year. Landlords are required to give the certificates to tenants on the start of a tenancy and keep copies of any subsequent inspections for as long as they own the property.
Landlords who fail to adhere to the law place their tenants in danger of poisoning by carbon monoxide and may face legal action. They also run the risk of losing their landlord insurance cover.
Engineers require access to a property to conduct the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They also must know the model and make of each appliance, and have access to the manufacturer specifications. The engineers must be able to verify that every appliance is functioning properly and that all fittings and pipework are in good order and securely secured.
Any problems found during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the faults cannot be fixed then another inspection will be needed and a new certificate will be issued after the issue is fixed. The CP12 will contain the date of the next inspection. It is important to plan this appointment quickly in order to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified to complete an assessment and issue a gas safety certificate. Landlords can search on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords can look online for an engineer certified by Gas Safe in their area.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances, fittings and flues in the property. This certificate is a crucial part of the landlord's obligations under UK law and helps ensure that all tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not follow the law may face severe penalties including fines and prison.
The CP12 document contains a complete listing of all gas appliances in the property, as well as specific information about each inspection and any issues that were found. The document also contains the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was completed. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection or prior to the time a new tenant is moved into.
When selecting a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct an CP12 inspection It is crucial to select a qualified professional who has the experience and reputation needed to provide a thorough inspection. The best method to confirm an engineer's credentials is to check their Gas Safe ID card, which contains their registration number and the type of work they're qualified to perform. It's also a good idea to read reviews and suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who do not have a valid CP12 are subject to serious legal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 could result in the invalidation of insurance policies for landlords and leave them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related incident. The most effective method for protecting yourself from these risks is to 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 demonstrates that gas appliances in a property have been properly checked for safety. It is legally required for landlords to obtain and maintain one for each property they rent out to tenants. A CP12 includes details of the inspection, such as whether or not each appliance was inspected, as well as any work required to bring them up-to-standard. This ensures that tenants know what they can expect when renting a property and it can help avoid unexpected costs for landlords if an issue arises.
A landlord must provide an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days after the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords must also renew their CP12 before the expiration date, or they could be subject to a fine or criminal prosecution.
Getting the CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but it's also crucial to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 certificate will highlight any issues that could arise regarding the gas supply and appliances in your rental property, which can be fixed before they turn into bigger issues.
You can search for an engineer who is registered online if you are searching for a CP12. You can recognize them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms or that is displayed on their service vans. You should also contact CORGI the authority (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer is licensed to conduct CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a streamlined landlord software solution, like Klipboard that allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and conveniently on the job 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 are they good for?
The certificate given to a landlord who successfully completes a CP12 is valid for 12 months after the date of the inspection. This is why it's vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 checks and to ensure that their certificate doesn't run out. If it does, the landlord is breaking the law and could face a fine.
Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords might not be able to get their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent reasons is that they forget. This is not an excuse. The best thing to do is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due, and then make it a point to schedule it right away.
A CP12 is not an extension period. Any landlord who fails renew their certificate after the expiry date is in violation of the law. If the problem is not addressed immediately, they could be unable to rent their home and even lose their gas supply.
Gas Safe Register, which is managed by the UK Health and Safety Executive Registers all engineers who are authorised to perform CP12 inspections and issuing gas safety certificates. You can see the logo of this official organization on the uniforms and vans of their businesses. They will also have 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 ever unsure of their status.
Where can I buy one?
Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. please click for source ensures the engineer is competent to perform an in-depth inspection. If an appliance fails to pass the test the engineer will inform the landlord and suggest any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. The landlord must give an original copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the time that the inspection took place.
Failure to have a valid CP12 could pose significant health and safety risks for tenants and puts the landlord in breach of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colourless, but they may also cause fires and explosions. The blocked flues also hinder harmful gases being safely expelled from the premises and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety checks will help reduce these risks as any issues can be addressed promptly. The landlord is also responsible to perform annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within 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.
With the aid of free software for landlords like BOXT it is easier to keep track of these vital tasks. It's as simple as setting a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can make sure that tenants have an authentic CP12 within the specified time. Ultimately, this helps to avoid the hassles and fines that could result from not following the law.