Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Any person who rents out a piece of their property or the entire one must have a CP12 gas safety certificate. This ensures all appliances are safe, and in compliance with the law.
Landlords must also keep the records of all inspections. This will come in handy if they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue an cp12 gas safety certificate to anyone who leases the property that has gas piping at least once per year. Landlords are required to give the certificates to tenants on the start of the tenancy and keep copies of any future inspections for as long as they own the property.
Landlords who fail to adhere to the law place their tenants at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide and could be subject to legal action. They also risk losing their landlord insurance cover.
In order to conduct an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate, engineers need access to the premises, full details of all appliances in need of inspection, as well as the manufacturer and model details for each appliance, in addition to access to the manufacturer's specifications. Engineers should also be able to verify that each appliance functions properly and that all pipework, fittings and other equipment is in good condition.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the issue cannot be fixed then another inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued after the problem is resolved. The date that the next inspection is due to be recorded on the CP12 and must be scheduled promptly to prevent any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorised to complete an assessment and issue a gas safety certificate. Landlords can check online for the Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer that offers affordable prices and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are protected from potentially dangerous 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, and flues within a building. This certificate is an essential part of the landlord's obligations under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants live in a safe and safe environment. Landlords who don't follow the law are subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 is a comprehensive document that lists all of the gas appliances in the home and the specific information about each inspection and any issues discovered. The document also contains the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to provide an original copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days after their annual inspection or before a tenant moves into the property.
When choosing a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection It is crucial to select a qualified professional who has the experience and reputation required to conduct an accurate inspection. Checking the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the most reliable method of confirming their credentials. The card contains their registration number and what kind of work they're competent to do. It's also a good idea to look up reviews and recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who do not have an active CP12 are subject to serious legal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. A CP12 is also required to be valid for insurance purposes. This leaves landlords vulnerable financially in the event of a gas related incident. To reduce 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 do I get one?
A CP12 is a valid document that proves that gas appliances in the property have been checked for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and have one for each building they rent to tenants. A CP12 includes specifics of the inspection, including whether or not each appliance passed, and any work required to bring them up-to-standard. This lets tenants know exactly what they can expect from a rental property, and can help stop landlords from incurring unanticipated costs in the event of an issue.
A landlord must provide a copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days of the inspection. They should also keep records for their own reference. Landlords should also make sure to renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires, as failure to do so could leave them open to a penalty fine, or even criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate isn't just legal however, it is crucial for your tenants' health and well-being. A CP12 certificate will reveal any issues that could arise in the gas supply or appliances in your rental property that can be addressed before they become bigger issues.
You can locate an engineer registered online if you are looking for an CP12. You can identify them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on uniforms or on their service vehicles. It is also advisable to check with CORGI the authority (now Gas Safe), to ensure that your engineer is registered to conduct CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a landlord software solution that lets engineers quickly and efficiently complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates on the field, without having to keep the track of large paper pads. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically send them a notification when their next check is due to be carried out.
How long are they good for?
The certificate given to a landlord who successfully completes a CP12 is valid for 12 months after the date of the inspection. It is therefore important for landlords book regular CP12 inspections and to ensure that their certificates do not expire. If moved here doesn't, the landlord could be punished for breaking the law.
Ofttimes, there are a variety of reasons why landlords fail to get their CP12 renewed. One of the most common reasons is because they forget. This is not a reason to excuse. The best option is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due and schedule it immediately.
It is important to note that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who fails to have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. If the problem is not addressed immediately, they could not be able to rent their home and even lose their gas supply.
Gas Safe Register, which is operated by the UK Health and Safety Executive is a register of all engineers who have been authorised to perform CP12 inspections and to issue gas safety certificates. It is an official organization and you'll be able to spot their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they work for. They will also have a Gas Safe registration number which they need to present when booking an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to search their details on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure of their status.
Where can I purchase one?
Only those who are registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This guarantees that the engineer is fully competent to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails the check the engineer will inform the landlord and suggest any necessary repairs to be made before a new certificate can be issued. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
A valid CP12 is essential for the safety and health of tenants. It also places the landlord in breach of the law. Incorrect appliances can release carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They may also trigger explosions and fires. In addition blocked flues could prevent harmful gases from being safely expelled from the building, 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 addressed will be addressed promptly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals issued by the manufacturer landlords are also responsible for the annual maintenance of gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. The landlords must also keep a record of the maintenance work carried out.
Thankfully, with the aid of free landlord software like BOXT, keeping track of these crucial tasks is a lot easier for landlords. It's as simple as setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can ensure that their tenants have an official CP12 within the timeframe required. This will help to avoid penalties and other issues that can arise from failing to adhere to the law.