What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipes and appliances in rental properties should be inspected each year by qualified engineers. The annual checks are also known as CP12 certificates.
CORGI Proforma 12, also known as CP12 was the official UK Gas Inspection Document up to April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificate for a period of two years, in order to be audited.
What is a CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 is documentation from a Gas Safe registered engineer that certifies that the gas appliances and installations have been inspected and passed. It is an obligation for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and wellbeing. Landlords are required to arrange and stay up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, maintain their gas systems in a good state, and give 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. In April of that year, the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) was replaced by Gas Safe Register. This led to the CP12 was popularly referred to as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the information of the engineer that conducted the checkup In addition to the details of the engineer who conducted the checkup, a CP12 will contain the specific details of each appliance inspected and any immediate actions needed to ensure safety. The location of each gas appliance is recorded along with any tests performed on flues and ventilation.
It is crucial that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to complain about landlords under section 21 of 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. This could lead to fines or even evictions in certain cases.
Faulty gas appliances may produce carbon monoxide. This colourless, odourless gas can be fatal if inhaled. Blockages in flues can also prevent harmful gases from leaving the building safely, resulting in an additional fire risk. The CP12 also allows landlords to inform tenants of the potential hazards within the premises.
While it is legally required to maintain a CP12 in place however, the process can be daunting for a lot of landlords. There are a variety of services that can help make the process simpler. 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 save landlords both time and money while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the annual checkups?
As a landlord, you're accountable for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring that all gas appliances meet the standards. This is why it's so crucial to have CP12 checks carried out every year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants immediately upon moving in. If a landlord fails to provide a valid CP12 they could be penalized or even sentenced to prison.
A CP12 document is produced by a qualified gas engineer who checks all gas pipework, appliances and flues in your home. The CP12 contains the contact details of the engineer and a description and location of each appliance. The CP12 also has an expiry date. After it expires you must book another appointment with a reliable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It is also important to note that the CP12 can only be created by engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is part of the laws on building safety that are set by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords must legally perform an CP12 inspection on their property when it is let. They are also required to keep a record of the check and provide a copy to their current or new tenants. If the landlord fails to follow through with the law, they may be fined or imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords are different depending on how the property is used, but there are some basic rules that everyone has to adhere to. This includes ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, repairing and maintaining the property, and supplying all documentation required to sell or move out.
It is important to raise the issue politely with your landlord if you believe that they're not fulfilling their legal obligations in regards to safety in the building. You might find that your landlord didn't remember to book an CP12 and you could give them a second chance to do so. If they don't adhere to the laws, then you may report them to the HSE for an offence against public health.
What is included in the checkup?
The CP12 is a device that can protect your tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning. It's legally required for landlords in the UK therefore ensure that you have it displayed prominently and provide a copy to your tenants. This will show that you value your tenants' safety and are taking proactive measures to ensure that your property is in good condition.
A CP12 report includes information about all gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be completed by a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer. It should include:
Description and the location of gas appliances. The appliances that passed or failed an inspection. Name, registration number, and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
The engineer must inform you of any equipment that is unsafe to use and then provide the necessary remedial work. You must arrange for the equipment to be repaired prior to a CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not just check the appliances, but also the flues and exhausts in your home. This will make sure that they operate at the correct pressure and free of leaks. It will also verify that the appliances are combusting gas in the correct way.
Your CP12 will also include the dates for all future inspections. It is recommended that the next inspections occur one year after the previous one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and will avoid any delays when issuing new certificates.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on the landlord's file for a minimum of two years. You must present an original copy to your tenant each time they move in. You must issue a new CP12 within 28 days of the date of each inspection.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations stipulate that you must ensure all your properties rented to tenants are inspected for gas appliances every year. If your tenant refuses to let you into their property for these safety inspections then you must write to them and explain that this is a legal requirement. You should also ask them to give you access. If they still refuse to allow access, you may only shut off the gas supply after having taken reasonable steps to gain access.
How do I obtain a CP12?
Finding a GasSafe certified engineer to conduct a safety inspection on your home is the easiest way to obtain an CP12 in the UK. There are a variety of companies that provide CP12 checks and it is a good idea to conduct a quick Google search to locate one in your area. Once you've found an engineer, you can set up a time for them to visit and perform the inspection.
Landlords must possess a CP12 certification prior to renting their homes. This is to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings and flues work properly and are safe. Failure to comply with gas safety regulations could result in hefty fines, and even prison in some instances. The valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace of assurance that they are protecting their tenants and complying with the legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate whether or not each appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety check. It will include any suggestions for actions or repairs that are needed to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords must make sure that they implement the recommended action within 28 days. They should also provide their tenants a copy of CP12 within 28 days of the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine a landlord who does not have a CP12 on file. In addition, they may lose the right to evict their tenants using Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it more difficult for landlords to rent their properties, particularly in the event of security concerns.
While a CP12 may be legally required but some landlords aren't willing to conduct an annual CP12 check. Many landlords make excuses such as forgetting, being busy or taking a vacation. This could pose a significant threat to the safety of tenants since carbon monoxide poisoning is an undiscovered danger that could cause serious illness and even death.
Landlords are able to prevent this by reminding tenants about the upcoming inspection. One way to do this is to use tools for managing landlords like Klipboard that allows users to schedule reminders for service appointments, including CP12 renewals. These reminders can be delivered via SMS, email or via the mobile app. They can aid them in staying on top of their rental maintenance obligations.