What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipework and appliances used in rental properties must be checked annually by qualified engineers. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and must be conducted every year.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document until April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificate for two years to be inspected.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 comes from an Gas Safe registered engineer that confirms the property's gas appliances and installations have been thoroughly examined and certified. This is legally required 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 provide the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day period 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. The CP12 was renamed to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the name and contact details of the person who performed the inspection in addition to the name of the engineer who performed the checkup, the CP12 will also include the specifics of each appliance checked and any immediate actions required for safety. The location of every gas appliance is recorded, as are any tests conducted on the flues and vents.
It is essential that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to report landlords under section 21 of the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. In some instances it could lead to fines or even expulsion.
Faulty gas appliances may produce carbon monoxide. This odorless, colourless gas can be fatal when inhaled. Additionally, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from safely exiting the premises, posing an additional fire risk. The CP12 is also an opportunity for landlords to inform their tenants of any dangers that might exist within the property.
Although it is a requirement by law to possess a CP12, the process can be daunting for many landlords. There are many services that can help ease the process. For instance, Klipboard allows landlords to schedule their annual gas inspections ahead of time and receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services can help landlords save time and money, while also making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the annual checkups?
As a landlord, you are responsible for providing a safe environment for your tenants. This means ensuring all gas appliances are up to standards. This is why it's important to have CP12 checks carried out every year and to give the copies of these certificates to your tenants immediately upon moving into. A landlord who fails to provide a valid CP12 could be penalized, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 is a document that's produced by a specialised engineer who will inspect every gas pipes, appliances and flues on your property. The CP12 will contain the details of the engineer's name and a description of the location of each appliance and its description. The CP12 will also have an expiry date. When it expires, you will have to make another appointment with a skilled gas safe engineer in order to renew it.
It is also important to note that the CP12 can only be produced by engineers who have been registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is part of the regulations on building safety, which are determined by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct an CP12 inspection on their property when it is let. They must also keep a record of this and provide their existing or new tenants with copies of the certificate. If the landlord fails to comply with the requirements, they could be fined or imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords are different according to how the property is used, but there are some general guidelines that everyone must adhere to. This includes ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and fixing the property and providing all documentation required to sell or move out.
It's important to bring this up politely with your landlord if you believe that they're not meeting their legal obligations with regard to safety in the building. You may find that your landlord didn't remember to reserve an CP12 and you could give them a second opportunity to do so. If they don't comply with the laws and regulations, you can report them to HSE as a crime against the public health.
What is included in the health checkup?
The CP12 is a tool that will protect your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It's a legal requirement for landlords in the UK therefore ensure that you display it prominently and give a copy of it to your tenants. This will demonstrate that you are committed to your tenants' safety and take proactive measures to maintain property standards.
A CP12 is a report that contains details of all the gas appliances and pipework that are in your rental property. It must be signed and completed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It must comprise the following information:
Description and the location of all gas appliances. The appliances that have passed or failed the inspection. The name or registration number, as well as the 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 advise you of the necessary remedial work. You must arrange that the equipment be fixed before the CP12 is issued.
In addition to examining the actual appliances in addition to examining the actual appliances, the CP12 will also examine any flues and exhaust systems in your property. This ensures that they're operating at the right pressure, are leak-free and that they operate safely. The test will also verify that the appliances are burning gas in a correct manner.
As well as a report of the inspection, your CP12 will include the dates when future checks are due. It is recommended to plan your next inspections to occur one year after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a current CP12 and avoid any delays in issuing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord in a file for a minimum of two years. You must give an original copy to your tenant each time they move in and you must give the new CP12 within 28 days after each inspection.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations stipulate that you must ensure that all your rented properties have their gas appliances checked annually. However, if your tenant is unable to access these checks, you must send them a letter explaining that the safety checks are legally required and ask them to grant you access. If they do not agree to allow access, you may only shut off the gas supply after having taken all'reasonable steps' to gain access.
What is the best way to get CP12?
Finding a Gas Safe certified engineer to conduct an inspection for safety on your home is the most efficient method to obtain an CP12 in the UK. There are many companies that provide CP12 inspections and it is a good idea to do an initial Google search to locate one in your area. Once you've located an engineer, you can schedule a time for them to come and carry out the test.
Landlords are legally required to be able to show a CP12 certificate before renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings function safely and are secure. Failure to comply with the regulations on gas safety could result in heavy penalties and even jail time in some cases. Having a valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace assurance that they are keeping their tenants safe and meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate whether each appliance has passed the safety test or failed. It will also include any recommendations for action or repairs that are needed to ensure the appliance's security. Landlords must make sure that they implement the recommended action within 28 days. They must also provide tenants with copies of the CP12 certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine a landlord who does not have a CP12 on file. They also lose the right to expel tenants under Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it harder for landlords who are concerned about security to rent their properties.
While a CP12 is an obligation for landlords, some are reluctant to carry out an annual check. They typically make reasons like forgetting, being too busy or going away on holiday. Carbon monoxide poisoning could pose dangerous to the safety of tenants.
Landlords are able to prevent this by reminding their tenants of the coming inspection. Klipboard is an application that permits users to set up reminders for appointments like CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent via email, SMS or mobile apps, and will help tenants stay on the top of their maintenance obligations.