What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipes and appliances in rental properties must be examined annually by qualified engineers. The annual inspections are known as CP12 certificates.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document up to April 2009. Landlords should keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years to allow for auditing.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord's gas safety cp12 certificate is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that confirms all gas appliances and installations inside the property have been thoroughly examined. This is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and well-being. Landlords are required to arrange and stay up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, keep their gas systems in a good condition, and send the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28 day period following each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official title for the document from 1991 until April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. The CP12 was renamed to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also contain the name of the engineer who conducted the inspection, as well as any immediate safety actions that are required. The location of every gas appliance is recorded, and any tests that are performed on flues and ventilation.
It is essential for landlords to have a CP12 as without one, tenants could complain about the landlord to authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In some cases this could result in fines or even the possibility of eviction.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can produce carbon monoxide. This colourless, odourless gas is deadly if inhaled. Additionally blocked flues could prevent harmful gases from exiting the property, posing an additional fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the chance to inform tenants about the potential hazards within the property.
While it is legally required to keep a CP12 in place however, the process can be difficult for a lot of landlords. There are many services that can help ease the process. Klipboard is one example. It allows landlords to schedule annual gas inspections, and also receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services can save landlords both time and money while making sure they're up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkup?
As an owner, you are required to provide a safe and secure place to live for your tenants, and this includes ensuring that all of the gas appliances are in compliance with standards. It is essential to have CP12 inspections performed every year, and provide copies of these certificates when your tenants move into your property. A landlord who fails to provide an authentic CP12 can be fined, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is prepared by a specialist gas engineer who inspects every gas pipework, appliances and flues within your home. The CP12 includes the contact details of the engineer and the description and where each appliance is located. The CP12 also has an expiry date. Once it has expired you must book another appointment with a reliable gas safe engineer to have it renewed.
The CP12 is only accessible to engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is because the document is a part of the regulations on building safety that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to carry out a CP12 check on their properties at the time they rent them out. They are also required to keep records of this and provide their current or new tenants with copies 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 depending on the way in which the property is used, but there are some fundamental rules that everyone must follow. This includes ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and repairing the property and providing any documentation needed when selling or moving out.
If you believe that your landlord hasn't been able to meet their legal obligations regarding security in the building, then it's worth politely bringing this up with them. You may find that your landlord has neglected to reserve an CP12 and you could give them a second chance to do it. If they don't 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 dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's an obligation for landlords in the UK therefore ensure you have it displayed prominently and give a copy of it to your tenants. This will demonstrate that you are concerned about the safety of your tenants, and you take proactive steps to maintain your property standards.
A CP12 report provides information on all gas appliances and pipes installed in your rental property. It must be completed and signed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It must comprise the following information:
Description and location of gas appliances. If the appliance passed or failed the test. Name, 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 advise you of the needed repairs. You must arrange for the equipment to be repaired prior to the CP12 is issued.
The CP12 will not only inspect the appliances, but also the exhausts and flues in your home. This ensures they are working at the correct pressure, are not leaky and that they operate safely. The test will also confirm that the appliances are burning gas in a correct manner.
Your CP12 will also include the dates for any future inspections. It is recommended to schedule your next inspection to take place 12 months from the previous one. This will ensure that you have a CP12 valid and prevent any delays when you issue new certificates.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord in a file for a minimum period of two years. You must give a copy to your tenant at the time they move in. You must provide an updated CP12 within 28 days of each inspection.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that you must ensure that all your properties that are rented have their gas appliances checked annually. If your tenant does not allow you to access their property for these safety inspections You must write to them and explain that this is an obligation under the law. You will also ask them to give access. If they refuse, 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 certified engineer to carry out a safety inspection at your property is the easiest way to get an CP12 in the UK. There are many companies that provide CP12 inspections, and it's a good idea to do an initial Google search to find one in your local area. Once you've located an engineer you can arrange a time for them to visit and conduct the test.
Landlords are legally required have a CP12 certificate in place before renting their properties. This is to ensure all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings function properly and are safe. Gas safety regulations can lead to heavy fines or even imprisonment if they are not followed. A valid CP12 certificate gives landlords the peace mind they need to ensure their tenants are safe and that they meet legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate if each appliance has passed the safety test or failed. do i need a gas safety certificate will also contain any recommendations or repairs needed to ensure the safety of the appliance. Landlords must take action within 28 days. They must also give their tenants copies of CP12 within 28 days of the inspection.
If a landlord does not have a CP12 in place, they could be penalized 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 more difficult for landlords to rent out their properties, especially in the event of security issues.
While a CP12 could be an obligation under the law but some landlords aren't willing to perform an annual check. Many landlords make excuses such as forgetting, being busy or taking a vacation. Carbon monoxide poisoning could pose a serious threat to the safety of tenants.
Landlords can prevent this by reminding their tenants of the coming inspection. Klipboard is an application that permits users to schedule reminders for appointments for instance, CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent via SMS, email or mobile apps and will aid tenants in staying on up to date with their maintenance obligations.