What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords are required to get the gas pipes and appliances checked by certified experts to ensure that they are safe. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and should be carried out annually.
CORGI Proforma 12, also known as CP12, was the official UK Gas Inspection Document up to April 2009. Landlords must keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years in case of auditing.
What is a CP12?
A landlord's gas safety Cp12 certificate is an official document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that confirms all gas appliances and installations in the property have been thoroughly checked. It is legally required for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and wellbeing. Landlords are responsible for scheduling and keeping up to date with CP12 gas inspections, keeping their gas systems in good working order and providing the CP12 documentation to their tenants within 28 days of the date 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 information of the engineer that conducted the checkup 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 needed for safety. The location of each gas appliance is recorded, along with the results of any tests performed on flues, ventilation and other vital information.
It is crucial for landlords to have a CP12 as without one, tenants can be able to report the landlord's authorities in section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. This could result in fines or even evictions in some cases.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can create carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas which can be fatal when inhaled. gas safety certificate homeowner in flues can also hinder harmful gases from leaving the property safely, creating an additional fire hazard. The CP12 also gives landlords the chance to inform tenants of any risks that could be present in a property.
While it is a requirement by law to have a CP12 but the process can be daunting for many landlords. Fortunately, there are services that can help make the process easier. Klipboard for instance, lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections, and also receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services can save landlords time and money while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the annual checkups?
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. This is why it's so important to have CP12 inspections done each year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants when they move into. If a landlord fails to provide a valid CP12 they could be fined or even sentenced to prison.
A CP12 document is prepared by a specialist gas engineer who inspects all gas pipework, appliances and flues within your home. The CP12 contains the contact details of the engineer along with a description and where each appliance is located. 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.
The CP12 is only available to engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is a part the building safety laws that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct a CP12 inspection of their property immediately after it is let. They are also required to keep a record of this and give a copy to their new or existing tenants. If the landlord fails to comply with the requirements, they could be punished with a fine or even jail time.
The responsibilities of landlords vary depending on the way in which the property is used but there are some basic rules that everyone has to follow. These include ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, repairing and maintaining the property, and providing any documentation needed for selling or moving out.
It's crucial to raise the issue respectfully with your landlord if you feel that they are not meeting their legal obligations in regards to safety in the building. You might find that your landlord didn't remember to book a CP12 and you can give them another chance to do so. If they don't adhere to the law, you can make a complaint to the HSE for a crime against public health.
What is included in the checkup?
The CP12 is a vital tool to protect your tenants from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's an obligation for landlords in the UK, so ensure that you display it prominently and give a copy of it to your tenants. This will demonstrate that you are concerned about your tenants' safety and you take proactive steps to ensure that your property is maintained to standards.
A CP12 report contains information about the gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be signed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It should include:
Description and the location of all gas appliances. The appliances that have passed or failed the inspection. The name of the engineer, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
If the equipment is unsafe for use, the engineer has to inform you and advise you of the necessary remedial steps. You should then arrange for it to be repaired before the new CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not only inspect the appliances in themselves, but also the flues and exhausts within your home. This ensures they are working at the correct pressure, have no leaks and that they operate safely. It also checks that the appliances are combusting gas correctly.
Your CP12 will also include the dates for any future inspections. It is recommended that the next inspections take place 12 months after the last one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and avoid any delays when issuing 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 and you must give an updated CP12 within 28 days of each inspection.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations oblige you to ensure that all of your properties that you rent are inspected every year for gas appliances. If your tenant does not allow you access to their property for these safety inspections then you must write to them and explain that this is legally required. You will also ask them to grant access. If they do not agree, you will only be able disconnect their gas if you take all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
How do I get a CP12?
Finding a Gas Safe certified engineer to conduct a safety inspection on your home is the easiest method to obtain a CP12 in the UK. There are numerous companies that offer CP12 inspections and it's a good idea conduct an initial Google search to locate one in your area. Once you've located an engineer, you can arrange an appointment with them to come out and perform the test.
Landlords are legally obliged to be able to show a CP12 certificate before renting their properties. This is to ensure all gas appliances, fittings and flues work safely and are secure. Gas safety regulations can lead to severe fines or even jail time if they are not followed. Having a valid CP12 certification can also give landlords peace of assurance that they are protecting their tenants and meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will show whether the appliance has passed the safety test or failed. The CP12 will also list any recommendations or repairs needed to make the appliance safe. Landlords must take action within 28 days. They must also provide tenants with a copy 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 much harder for landlords to rent their properties, especially if they are worried about safety issues.
While a CP12 is a legal requirement 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. Carbon monoxide poisoning is 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 schedule reminders for appointments such as CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent by email, SMS or mobile apps and will assist tenants to stay on the top of their maintenance obligations.