What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords must have the gas pipes and appliances checked by certified engineers to ensure that they are safe. The checks are also known as CP12 certificates and should be carried out annually.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document up to April 2009. Landlords must keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years for potential auditing.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord's gas safety Cp12 certificate is an official document issued by an Gas Safe registered Engineer that certifies that all gas appliances and installations in the property have been thoroughly checked. It is a requirement in the UK for landlords to provide this certificate. This is to ensure the safety and health of their tenants. Landlords are responsible for scheduling and keeping up to date with CP12 gas inspections, maintaining their gas systems in good order and providing CP12 documents to their tenants within 28 days of each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name for the document from 1991 to April 2009. In April of that year the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) was replaced by Gas Safe Register. This led to the CP12 was referred to as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the information of the engineer who conducted the inspection in addition to the name of the engineer who performed the checkup, the CP12 will contain the specifics of each appliance tested and any immediate actions needed to ensure safety. The location of every gas appliance is documented along with the results of any tests performed on the flues, ventilation or other vital information.
It's important for landlords to have a CP12 since without one, tenants can complain about the landlord to authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In certain cases it could lead to fines or even the possibility of eviction.
Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide. It is a colorless and odourless gas which can be fatal when inhaled. The blockage of flues can hinder harmful gases from leaving the building safely, resulting in an additional fire risk. The CP12 is also an opportunity for landlords to inform their tenants of any potential risks in the building.
While it is a requirement by law to possess a CP12 but the process can be a bit daunting for landlords. Luckily, there are services that can help simplify the process. For example, Klipboard allows landlords to schedule their annual gas inspections in advance and receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services will save time and money for landlords as well as making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkup?
As a landlord you are responsible for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring that all gas appliances are up to standards. This is why it's so important to get CP12 checks done every year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants when they move in. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 they could be fined or even imprisoned.
A CP12 document is produced by a specialised gas engineer who inspects all the gas pipework, appliances and flues in your home. The CP12 will include the details of the engineer's name and the location of each appliance as well as its description. The CP12 also has an expiry date. If it is expired, you will need to book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It is also important to note that the CP12 can only be produced by engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is part of the building safety laws that are administered by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct the CP12 check on their properties as soon as they rent them out. They must also keep records of this and provide their existing or new tenants with a copy of the certificate. In the event of a breach, it could lead to fines or even imprisonment for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords are different according to how the property is used, but there are some fundamental guidelines that everyone must adhere to. These include making sure that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and repairing the property, and providing all documentation required for selling or moving out.
If you suspect that your landlord hasn't been able to meet their legal obligations with regard to security in the building, then it's important to bring this issue to them. It's possible they forgot to book a CP12 appointment and by raising the issue you will give them the chance to do so before they are subject to any penalties. If they do not adhere to the law, then you can make a complaint to the HSE for a crime against public health.
What is included in the health checkup?
The CP12 is an important device that shields your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is legally required in the UK for landlords, so make sure to display it prominently. Also give the CP12 to every tenant. This will demonstrate that you prioritize your tenants' safety and you take proactive steps to maintain your property standards.
A CP12 report includes information about all gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be signed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It must include the following:
Description and location of all gas appliances. Whether or not the appliances have passed or failed the inspection. Name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
If any of the equipment isn't safe to use, the engineer has to inform you and inform you of the needed repairs. You must make arrangements that the equipment be repaired prior to a CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not only inspect the appliances in themselves, but also the exhausts and flues within your home. This will make sure that they operate at the right pressure and are free of leaks. It will also verify that the appliances are burning gas in the correct way.
Your CP12 will also include the dates for future inspections. It is recommended that the next inspections occur 12 months after the previous one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and prevent any delays when you issue new certificates.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord on file for a minimum period 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 an updated CP12 after each inspection, within 28 days.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require that you ensure that your properties that you rent are inspected annually for gas appliances. If your tenant does not allow you access to their property for these safety inspections, you will need to write to them and explain that this is a legal requirement. gas safety certificate homeowner will be asking them to allow you access. If they do not agree to allow access, you will only be able to disconnect their gas after you have taken all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
How do I get a CP12?
Locating a Gas Safe registered engineer to perform an inspection for safety at your property is the easiest way to obtain an CP12 in the UK. There are a variety of firms that offer CP12 checks and it's a good idea conduct a quick Google search to locate one near you. Once you've found an engineer, you can arrange an appointment for them to arrive and conduct the test.
Landlords are legally obliged to be able to show a CP12 certificate in place before renting out their properties. This is to ensure all gas appliances, fittings and flues work properly and are safe. Gas safety regulations can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment when they are not adhered to. A valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace assurance that they are making sure their tenants are safe and that they are meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will detail whether or not the appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety test. The CP12 will also include any recommendations or repairs required to ensure the safety of the appliance. Landlords must make sure that they take the recommended action within 28 days. They must also provide tenants with copies of the CP12 certificate within 28 days from the date of the inspection.
If a landlord does not have a CP12 in place, they may be penalized by the Health and Safety Executive. They also lose the right to evict tenants under Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This will make it more difficult for landlords worried about security to rent their properties.
While a CP12 is an obligation for landlords, there are some who are hesitant to perform an annual inspection. Many landlords use excuses like forgetting, being busy or taking a vacation. This can be a serious threat to the safety of tenants because carbon monoxide poisoning can be an undiscovered danger that could cause illness or even death.
Landlords can stop this from happening by giving their tenants clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. Klipboard is an application that permits users to set up reminders for appointments, such as CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent by SMS, email or mobile apps, and will assist tenants to stay on the top of their maintenance obligations.