What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords must have the gas pipes and appliances examined by qualified engineers to ensure that they are safe. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and must be carried out annually.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 It was the official UK gas inspection document until April 2009. Landlords should keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years for potential audits.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 comes from an Gas Safe registered engineer that ensures that the property's gas appliances and installations have been examined and certified. It is required in the UK for landlords to present 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, ensure their gas systems in a good state, and give the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day period of each inspection.
The CP12 is the abbreviation used for CORGI Proforma 12 which was the official title of the document from 1991 until April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. In the process, the CP12 was popularly referred to as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
In addition to the name and contact details of the engineer who conducted the inspection, a CP12 will contain the specifics of each appliance checked and any immediate actions needed to ensure safety. The location of each gas appliance is recorded and any tests that are performed on the flues and vents.
It is crucial that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to report landlords under section 21 of the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. This could lead to fines or even eviction in some instances.
Faulty gas appliances may produce carbon monoxide. This colourless, odourless gas is deadly when inhaled. Additionally, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from safely leaving the property, posing an additional fire risk. The CP12 also gives landlords the chance to inform tenants about any risks that could be present in the property.
While it is legally required to maintain a CP12 in place but the process can be difficult for landlords of all kinds. There are services available to simplify the process. Klipboard is one example. It lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections 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 responsible for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This means ensuring all gas appliances comply with standards. It is essential to have CP12 inspections conducted every year, and provide copies of these certificates immediately after your tenants move in. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 could be penalized, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is created by a qualified gas engineer who inspects every gas pipework, appliances, and flues that are in your home. The CP12 contains the contact details of the engineer along with the description and where each appliance is located. The CP12 also has an expiry date. After it expires you will have to make another appointment with a skilled gas safe engineer to renew it.
The CP12 is only available to engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is because the document is a part the regulations on building safety that are formulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords must legally perform an CP12 inspection of their property immediately after it is rented. They must also keep a record of this and give copies to their current or new tenants. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines or even imprisonment for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords differ based on the usage of the property, but there are a few fundamental rules that all landlords must follow. This includes ensuring that the gas system and all appliances are safe for tenants to use, maintaining repairs and maintenance, and providing any documentation required when selling or moving out of a property.
If you believe that your landlord hasn't been able to meet their legal obligations regarding security in the building, then it's important to bring this up with them. You might find that your landlord has neglected to schedule an CP12 and you are able to offer them a second opportunity to do so. If they don't adhere to the law and regulations, you could file a complaint with HSE as an offence against public health.
What is included in a checkup?
The CP12 is a tool which can shield your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It's a legal requirement for landlords in the UK, so ensure you keep it in your property and present a copy to your tenants. This will demonstrate that you are committed to your tenants' safety and take proactive steps to ensure that your property is in good condition.
A CP12 report includes information about the gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be signed and completed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It will include:
Description and the location of gas appliances. The appliances that have passed or failed the inspection. Name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
If the equipment isn't safe to use, the engineer should inform you and advise you of the necessary repairs. You should then make arrangements for it to be repaired before the new CP12 can be issued.
In addition to inspecting the appliances in addition to examining the actual appliances, the CP12 will also check the exhaust systems and flues in your property. This will make sure that they operate at the correct pressure and are free from leaks. The test will also ensure that the appliances are burning gas in a correct manner.
In addition to a written report of the inspection, your CP12 will also contain the dates on which future checks are due. It is recommended that you schedule your next inspections to be scheduled 12 months after the last one. This will ensure that you have a valid CP12 and prevent any delays in the process of distributing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on the landlord's file for at least 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 must ensure all your properties that are rented have their gas appliances inspected every year. However, if your tenant refuses access for these checks, you must send them a letter explaining that the safety checks are legally required and request that they allow you access. If they refuse to allow access, you will only be able to disconnect their gas after you have taken all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
How do I obtain a CP12?
To obtain an CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that involves finding an engineer registered with Gas Safe to carry out a safety check on your property. There are many companies in your local area which offer CP12 inspections. A quick Google search can help you find one. Once you've identified an engineer, you can arrange an appointment for them to come out and perform the inspection.
Landlords are legally required to be able to show a CP12 certificate in place before renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings are in good working order and safe. Failure to adhere to gas safety regulations could lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment in certain instances. A valid CP12 certificate gives landlords the peace of mind they require to ensure their tenants are safe and that they are in compliance with legal requirements.
The CP12 will indicate if each appliance has passed the safety test or failed. The CP12 will also include any recommendations or repairs needed to make the appliance safe. Landlords must make sure that they implement the recommended action within 28 days. They must also provide their tenants a copy of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive may fine the landlord if they do not have a CP12 on file. They also lose the right to expel tenants under Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it harder for landlords to rent their properties, particularly if they are worried about security issues.
While a CP12 could be legally required however, some landlords are hesitant to conduct an annual check. Many landlords use excuses such as forgetting, being busy, or going on vacation. This could pose a significant risk to tenant safety, since carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible danger that could cause illness or even death.
Landlords can avoid this by giving their tenants clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. Klipboard is a tool that allows users to set up reminders for appointments like 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.