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 are required to be conducted annually.
CORGI Proforma 12, or CP12 was the official UK Gas Inspection Document until April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years for potential audits.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord's gas safety cp12 certificate is an official document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that confirms that all gas appliances and installations inside the property have been inspected. It is a requirement in the UK for landlords to provide this certificate. This is to ensure the safety and health of their tenants. Landlords must arrange and keep up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, keep 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 form of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name for the document from 1991 to April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. In the process, the CP12 became commonly known as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the name and contact details of the engineer that conducted the inspection, the CP12 will include the specific details of each appliance checked and any immediate action required to ensure safety. The location of each gas appliance is recorded, along with the results of any tests conducted on ventilation, flues and other essential information.
It is important that landlords have a CP12, because tenants can file complaints against landlords in accordance with section 21 of the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. This could lead to fines and even eviction in certain cases.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can produce carbon monoxide. This colourless, odourless gas can be fatal when inhaled. Blockages in flues can also prevent harmful gases from leaving the premises safely, causing an additional fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the opportunity to inform tenants of any potential risks within the property.
Although it is required by law to possess a CP12 however, the process may be a bit daunting for landlords. There are services that can simplify the process. 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 will save time and money for landlords while ensuring that they are up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkup?
As a landlord, you are accountable for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This includes making sure all gas appliances comply with standards. It is essential to have CP12 inspections performed each year, and to provide copies of these certificates when your tenants move into your property. If a landlord fails to provide a valid CP12 can be fined, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 is a document that's prepared by a specialist engineer who will examine all of the gas pipework, appliances and flues on your property. The CP12 includes the engineer's contact information along with an explanation and the where each appliance is located. The CP12 also has an expiry date. Once it has expired you must book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to have it renewed.
It is also important to note that the CP12 can only be created by engineers who have been registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is part the laws governing safety in the construction industry, which are governed by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally obligated to conduct the CP12 inspection of their properties at the time they rent them out. They must also keep records of this and provide their current or new tenants with copies of the certificate. If moved here fails to comply with the requirements, they could be fined or even imprisoned.
The responsibilities of landlords are different depending on the way in which the property is used but there are some fundamental rules that everyone must abide by. This includes ensuring that the gas system and all appliances are safe for tenants to use, keeping up with repairs and maintenance and supplying any necessary documentation when selling or moving out of a home.
It is important to bring this up politely with your landlord if you feel that they're not meeting their legal obligations in regards to safety in the building. You may discover that your landlord has neglected to book a CP12 and you could offer them a second opportunity to do so. If they continue to not comply with the law, then you can be able to report them to the HSE for a crime against public health.
What is included in the examination?
The CP12 is a tool which can shield your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It's an obligation for landlords in the UK therefore ensure that you display it prominently and provide a copy to your tenants. This will show that you are committed to your tenants security and take proactive steps to maintain property standards.
A CP12 is a report that contains information on all gas appliances and pipework that are in your rental property. It must be completed by a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer. It will include:
Description and location of all gas appliances. The appliance's condition, whether it passed or failed the inspection. The name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
If any of the equipment isn't safe to use, the engineer should inform you and inform you of the needed remedial steps. You must make arrangements for the equipment to be repaired before an CP12 can issued.
The CP12 will not only check the appliances themselves but also the flues and exhausts in your home. This ensures that they're operating at the correct pressure, have no leaks and are operating 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 you schedule your next inspections to take place 12 months after the last one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and avoid any delays when issuance of new certificates.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord in a file for a minimum period of two years. You must present a copy to your tenant each time they move in. Additionally, you must provide an updated CP12 within 28 days of each inspection.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that you have to ensure that all your rented properties have their gas appliances checked annually. However, if your tenant is unable to access these checks, you need to inform them that the safety checks are a legal requirement and ask them to allow you access. If they refuse to allow access, you will 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 GasSafe certified engineer to conduct an inspection of safety at your property is the most efficient method to obtain a CP12 in the UK. There are many companies that provide CP12 inspections and it's a good idea to do a quick Google search to find one near you. Once you've located an engineer, you can set an appointment with them to arrive and conduct the inspection.
Landlords are legally obliged to be able to show a CP12 certificate before renting their property. This is to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues are in good working order and safe. Infractions to gas safety regulations could result in hefty penalties and even jail time in some instances. Having a valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace of mind that they are making sure their tenants are safe and meeting the legal requirements.
The CP12 will detail whether or not the appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety check. It will also include any suggestions for actions or repairs that are needed to make the appliance safe. Landlords must take action within 28 days. They must also give their tenants copies of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine a landlord if they do not have a CP12 on file. They also lose the right to evict tenants under Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it more difficult for landlords who are concerned about safety to rent their properties.
While a CP12 could be a legal requirement but some landlords aren't willing to conduct an annual check. They typically make reasons like not remembering, being too busy or needing to go to a holiday destination. This can be a serious danger to the safety of tenants, as carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible danger that could cause illness or even death.
Landlords can stop this from happening by providing their tenants with clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. One option is to use an application for managing landlords, such as Klipboard, which allows users to schedule reminders for service appointments, including CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent out via email, SMS or mobile apps and will help tenants stay on up to date with their maintenance obligations.