What is what is a gas safety certificate ?
Landlords are required to have the gas pipes and appliances checked by qualified experts to ensure that they are safe. The annual checks are known as CP12 certificates.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document up to 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 gas safety certificate cp12 comes from a Gas Safe registered engineer that confirms the property's gas appliances and installations have been checked and approved. This is an obligation for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and well-being. Landlords are responsible for scheduling and keeping up to date with CP12 gas inspections, ensuring that their gas systems in good condition and providing the CP12 documentation to their tenants within 28 days of each inspection.
what is a landlord gas safety certificate is the abbreviation used for CORGI Proforma 12 which was the official title of the document between 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.
A CP12 will also include the name of the engineer who carried out the checkup and any immediate safety measures that are required. The location of every gas appliance is recorded and any tests that are performed on ventilation and flues.
It is important 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 and even eviction in some instances.
Faulty gas appliances may produce carbon monoxide. This odorless, colourless gas can be fatal if inhaled. Blockages in flues can also hinder harmful gases from leaving the building safely, resulting in an additional fire hazard. The CP12 is also a chance for landlords to inform their tenants of any potential risks in the building.
Although it is required by law to possess a CP12 but the process can be a bit daunting for landlords. There are services that can simplify the process. For example, Klipboard allows landlords to schedule their annual gas inspections in advance and receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services can save landlords time and money while making sure they're up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkups?
As a landlord, you're accountable for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring that all gas appliances are up to standards. This is why it's so important to have CP12 checks carried out every year and to give the copies of these certificates to your tenants immediately upon moving in. A landlord who doesn't provide an authentic CP12 could be fined or even sent to jail.
A CP12 is a form of documentation prepared by a specialist engineer who will inspect all of the gas pipes, appliances, and flues at your property. The CP12 will include the details of the engineer along with the whereabouts of each appliance and its description. The CP12 also has an expiry date. After it expires you must schedule another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 can only be produced by engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is part of the building safety laws which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct an CP12 inspection on their property as soon as it is let. They are also required to keep records of this and provide their current or new tenants with a copy of the certificate. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines or even imprisonment for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords differ depending on the way in which the property is used, but there are some basic guidelines that everyone must adhere to. These include making sure that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and fixing the property, and providing any documentation needed to sell or move out.
If you believe that your landlord hasn't been able to meet their legal obligations regarding security in the building, then it's a good idea to bring the matter to them. You might find that your landlord didn't remember to reserve the CP12 and you are able to give them a second chance to do it. If they fail to comply with the laws you could file a complaint with HSE as a crime against the public health.
What is included in the checkup?
The CP12 is an important tool that protects your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's a legal requirement for landlords in the UK, so make sure you keep it in your property and give a copy of it to your tenants. This will show that you care about the safety of your tenants, and take proactive steps to maintain property standards.
A CP12 report provides information on the gas appliances and pipework installed in your rental property. It should be completed by a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer. It should include:
Description and location of gas appliances. The appliances that passed or failed inspection. The name, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
The engineer must notify you if any equipment is unsafe to use and provide you with the necessary remedial work. You must make arrangements that the equipment be fixed before an CP12 can be issued.
In addition to checking the appliances In addition to checking the appliances, the CP12 will also look at any flues and exhaust systems in your property. This will ensure that they operate at the right pressure, have no leaks and are operating safely. It will also verify that the appliances are burning gas in the correct way.
Along with a report of the inspection, your CP12 will also contain the dates when future checks are due. It is recommended to schedule your next inspections to occur one year after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a valid CP12 and avoid any delays in the process of distributing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on file by a landlord for a minimum of two years. You must provide an original 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.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require you to ensure that all your rented properties are checked annually for gas appliances. If your tenant is not willing to allow access for these checks, you need to inform them that the safety checks are a legal requirement and ask them to allow you access. If they do not agree to allow access, you may only shut off the gas supply after having taken all reasonable steps to gain access.
How do I obtain a CP12?
Getting a CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple procedure that requires you to find an engineer who is Gas Safe registered to conduct the safety inspection on your property. There are a variety of firms that offer CP12 inspections and it's a good idea do a quick Google search to find one near you. Once you've identified an engineer, you can schedule an appointment for them to come out and perform the inspection.
Landlords must possess a CP12 certification prior to renting their homes. This is to ensure all gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings operate properly and are safe. Gas safety regulations can result in massive fines and even imprisonment in the event of non-compliance. Having a valid CP12 certification can also give landlords peace of assurance that they're keeping their tenants safe and meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will show whether the appliance has passed the safety test or failed. It will include any suggestions for actions or repairs needed to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords are required to respond within 28 days. They must also provide their tenants with copies of the CP12 certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
If a landlord does not have a CP12 in place, they may be penalized by the Health and Safety Executive. They will also lose the right to evict tenants in accordance with Section 21 of 1988 Housing Act. This makes it more difficult for landlords to rent their properties, especially if they are worried about security concerns.
While a CP12 may be an obligation under the law but some landlords aren't willing to conduct an annual check. Many landlords make excuses such as forgetting, being busy, or taking a vacation. Carbon monoxide poisoning is an extremely serious threat to the safety of tenants.
Landlords can avoid this by reminding their tenants about the upcoming inspection. Klipboard is a tool that allows users to set reminders for appointments such as CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent by SMS, email or mobile apps, and can assist tenants to stay on the top of their maintenance obligations.