Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone renting out a part of their property or the entire one must obtain a CP12 gas safety certificate. This ensures all appliances are safe, and that they are in compliance with the laws.
Landlords also need to keep the records of all inspections. This will be useful in the event that the landlord decides 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 per year. Landlords are required to give the certificates to prospective tenants at the beginning of a tenancy. They must also keep copies of any future inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who do not adhere to the law place their tenants in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and may be liable to legal action. They also risk losing their insurance protection for landlords.
Engineers require access to the premises for the purpose of conducting the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They also need to be aware of the model and brand of each appliance, and have access to the manufacturer specifications. Engineers must also be able confirm that every appliance is operating properly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment is in good condition.
Any issues that are discovered during the inspection would be recorded on the CP12 and suggested solutions. If the problem is not fixed, a second inspection is required and a new certification will be issued after the issue is resolved. The CP12 will include the date of the next inspection. It is essential to plan this appointment quickly to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified to complete an assessment and issue an official gas safety certificate. Landlords are able to look on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer with competitive prices and an efficient service to ensure their tenants are protected from potentially deadly gas related issues.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following an extensive inspection of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and other appliances in a home. This certificate is a crucial part of the responsibilities a landlord has under UK law and helps to ensure that all tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not follow the law are subject to severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 document contains a complete list of all gas appliances within the property, as well as specific details about each inspection, and any issues that were found. The document also lists the name of Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date that the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to provide a copy of CP12 to each tenant within 28 days after their annual inspection or before a tenant moves into.
When choosing an Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection it is essential to choose a reputable professional who has the experience and reputation required to conduct an extensive examination. Verifying the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the best method to confirm their credentials. The card contains their registration number, as well as what kind of work they're competent to perform. It is also recommended to review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords that fail to maintain a valid CP12 face serious legal penalties including penalties of imprisonment and fines. A CP12 is also required for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the event of a gas related incident. To minimize the risk the best way to protect yourself is to schedule annual inspections by an Gas Safe engineer to ensure that all your properties have CP12s.
How can I get one?
A CP12 is a document that certifies that the gas appliances inside the property were tested for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every building they rent to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection, including if each appliance was passed or failed, and any work needed to bring them to a standard. This lets tenants know what to expect when renting out a property and it helps prevent unexpected costs for the landlord if an issue arises.
A landlord must provide an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days following the inspection. They should also keep records for their own reference. Landlords are also required to renew their CP12 before the expiration date or they could be subject to a fine or criminal prosecution.
A CP12 certificate isn't just legal however, it's also essential for the health of your tenants and well-being. A CP12 will reveal any potential problems in the gas supply to your rental property or appliances, so that they can be dealt with before they become bigger problems.
You can search for an engineer registered on the internet if you're looking for an CP12. You can recognise them by the Gas Safe logo that they wear on their uniforms, or on their service vans. It is also advisable to check with CORGI, the authority (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer has been registered to perform CP12 inspections.
Another option is to use a streamlined landlord software solution, like Klipboard, which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and easily on the job without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically notify them when their next check is scheduled to be completed.
How long do they last? for?
When a landlord completes a CP12 and passes it the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. This is why it's important for landlords to schedule regular CP12 checks and to ensure that their certificate does not run out. If it does it, the landlord is breaking the law and could face a fine.
There are gas safety certificate price why landlords fail to renew their CP12. One of the most frequent reasons is because they forget. This is not an excuse. The most effective way to handle this is to remind them politely that their gas safety inspection is due and plan it as soon as possible.
It is also worth noting that there is no grace period when it comes to a CP12 and any landlord who doesn't renew their certificate prior to the expiry date will be in violation of the law. If the issue is not resolved immediately, they could be unable to rent out their property or even lose their gas supply.
Gas Safe Register, which is run by the UK Health and Safety Executive Registers all engineers who have been authorised to conduct CP12 inspections and to issue gas safety certificates. This is an official body and you will be able to see their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they are employed by. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when booking an inspection. This number is unique and is used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I find one?
Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This guarantees that the engineer is qualified to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will inform the landlord if the appliance fails the test and will recommend that any necessary repairs be completed prior to issuing an updated certificate. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
Failure to have a valid CP12 poses significant risk to the health and safety of tenants and puts the landlord in violation of the law. In addition, faulty appliances can produce carbon monoxide that is colourless and odourless, but they may also cause explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues could prevent harmful gases from being safely expelled from the property, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help to minimize the risks, as any issues that need to be taken care of can be addressed promptly. The landlord is also accountable for ensuring that annual maintenance is carried out on all gas appliances and pipework in their rental properties, in accordance to the instructions of the manufacturer or manuals. Landlords must also keep a record of every maintenance work.
With the aid of software that is free for landlords like BOXT it is easier to keep track of these important tasks. Whether this is by setting a reminder to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that tenants receive an accurate and up-to date CP12 within the stipulated timeframe. This will help to avoid penalties and other issues that may arise from failing to follow the law.