Blog entry by Belinda MacDonnell
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipes and appliances in rental properties must be checked annually by qualified engineers. The checks are also known as CP12 certificates and must be performed every year.
CORGI Proforma 12, or CP12, was the official UK Gas Inspection Document up to April 2009. Landlords should keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years in case of auditing.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 is documentation from a Gas Safe registered engineer that ensures that the property's gas appliances and installations have been thoroughly inspected and passed. It is required in the UK for landlords to give this certificate. This is to ensure the health and safety of their tenants. Landlords are responsible for scheduling and keeping up to date with CP12 gas inspections, maintaining their gas systems in good working order and providing the CP12 documentation to their tenants within 28 days after each inspection.
The CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12 which was the official title of the document from 1991 and April 2009. In April of that year, the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) was replaced by Gas Safe Register. As a result, the CP12 was referred to as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also include the name of the engineer who conducted the inspection and any immediate safety actions that are required. The location of each gas appliance is recorded, and any tests that are performed on the flues and vents.
It is essential for landlords to have a CP12 since without one, tenants can complain about the landlord to authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In some instances it could lead to fines or even expulsion.
Gas appliances that fail can release carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal if inhaled. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from exiting the property, posing an additional fire hazard. The CP12 is also a chance for landlords to inform their tenants of any risks that could be present in the property.
Although it is required by law to possess a CP12 but the process can be a bit daunting for landlords. There are a variety of services that can make the process easier. For instance, Klipboard allows landlords to schedule their annual gas inspections in advance and receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services will save time and money for landlords, while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkups?
As landlords, you need to provide a secure place to live for your tenants and this includes ensuring that all of the gas safety certificate duplicate appliances are in compliance with standards. This is why it's so important to get CP12 inspections done each year and to give the copies of these certificates to your tenants as soon as they move into. If a landlord fails to provide a valid CP12 they could be fined or even imprisoned.
A CP12 is a form of documentation created by a specialist engineer who will examine the gas pipes, appliances, and flues in your home. The CP12 includes the engineer's contact information along with the description and where each appliance is located. The CP12 will also include an expiry date. If it is expired, you will need to book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 can only be created by engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is a part of the building safety laws that are administered by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally obliged to carry out the CP12 check on their properties as soon as they are rented out. They must also keep a record of this and give a copy to their new or existing tenants. If the landlord gas safety certificate how often fails to comply with the law, they may be fined or imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords differ depending on the way in which the property is used, but there are some basic rules that everyone must adhere to. These include ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, repairing and maintaining the property, and providing the necessary documentation for selling or moving out.
If you think that your landlord isn't upholding their legal obligations with regard to safety in the building, it's a good idea to bring the matter to them. You might find that your landlord has forgotten to book a CP12 and you are able to give them another opportunity to do so. If they continue not to comply with the laws, you may file a complaint with HSE as an offence against public health.
What is included in a checkup?
The CP12 is a crucial tool to protect your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a legal requirement in the UK for landlords, so display it prominently. Also give a copy to every tenant. This will demonstrate that you are committed to your tenants security and take proactive steps to maintain property standards.
A CP12 report provides information on all gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be prepared by a licensed and qualified Gas Safe engineer. It should comprise the following information:
Description and location of gas appliances. The appliances that passed or failed inspection. The name of the engineer, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the inspection.
If the equipment is unsafe for use, the engineer has to inform you and advise you of the required remedial work. You must make arrangements for the equipment to be fixed before an CP12 is issued.
In addition to examining the appliances themselves in addition to examining the actual appliances, the CP12 will also check any exhaust systems and flues in your property. This ensures that they're operating at the correct pressure, have no leaks and operate safely. It also ensures that the appliances are burning gas safety certificate homeowner correctly.
Your CP12 will also include the dates for future inspections. It is recommended to plan your next inspection to occur one year after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a CP12 valid and avoid any delays when issuing new certificates.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord on file for a minimum of two years. You must give a copy of the CP12 to your tenant at the time of their move-in, and you must issue an updated CP12 after each inspection within 28 days.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations stipulate that you have to ensure that all your rented properties are inspected for gas appliances annually. However, if your tenant is not willing to allow access for these checks, you have to write to them explaining that the safety checks are a legal requirement and ask them to allow access. If they do not agree the request, you'll only be able to shut off their gas after you have taken 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 property is the simplest way to obtain an CP12 in the UK. There are many companies that offer CP12 inspections and it is a good idea to conduct a quick Google search to find one in your area. Once you've located an engineer, you can schedule a time for them to come and perform the inspection.
Landlords must hold a CP12 certification prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings function properly and are safe. Gas safety regulations can lead to heavy fines or even imprisonment if they are not followed. A valid CP12 certification can also give landlords peace of mind that they are making sure their tenants are safe and meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will detail whether or not each appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety test. It will include any recommendations for action or repairs that are needed to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords must take action within 28 days. They must also give their tenants the copy of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine a landlord gas safety certificate how often if they do not have a CP12 on file. Additionally, they could lose the right to expel their tenants under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it more difficult for landlords who are concerned about the safety of renting their properties.
While a CP12 is a legal requirement for landlords, some are hesitant to conduct an annual check. Many landlords use excuses like forgetting, being busy, or taking a vacation. This can be a serious risk to tenant safety, as carbon monoxide poisoning is an undiscovered danger that could cause illness or even death.
Landlords can prevent this by providing their tenants with clear reminders of the coming inspection. Klipboard is a tool that allows users to set reminders for appointments like CP12 renewals. These reminders can be sent via text message, email or via the mobile app. They can aid them in staying on top of their rental maintenance obligations.