What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords are required to get their gas pipework and appliances checked by qualified engineers to ensure they are safe. The annual checks are also called CP12 certificates.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document up to April 2009. Landlords must keep copies of their CP12 certificate for a period of two years, in order to be reviewed.
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 thoroughly inspected and passed. It is an obligation for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and wellbeing. Landlords are required to arrange and stay up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, maintain their gas systems in good state, and give the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28 day time frame following each inspection.
The CP12 is the abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12 which was the official title of the document between 1991 until 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 popularly referred to as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also contain the name of the engineer who conducted the checkup and any immediate safety actions that are required. The location of each gas appliance is recorded, as are any tests conducted on the flues and vents.
It is essential for landlords to have a CP12 since without one, tenants can be able to report the landlord's authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In some cases, this could lead to fines or even expulsion.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can produce carbon monoxide. The odorless, colorless gas can be deadly when inhaled. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely leaving the property, posing an additional fire risk. The CP12 is also a chance for landlords to inform their tenants of any risks that could be present within the property.
Although it is required by law to possess a CP12 however, the process may be daunting for many landlords. There are services that can help ease the process. For instance, 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 ensuring they're up to date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkups?
As a landlord you are responsible for providing a secure environment for your tenants. This means ensuring all gas appliances are up to standards. gas safe certificate check is why it's important to have CP12 checks done every year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants immediately upon moving into. If a landlord isn't able to provide a valid CP12 they can be fined or even sentenced to prison.
A CP12 document is created by a specialised gas engineer who checks every gas pipework, appliances, and flues in your home. The CP12 will include the engineer's details and an explanation of the location of each appliance as well as its description. The CP12 will also have an expiry date on it. If it is expired it is necessary to book another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to have it renewed.
The CP12 is only available to engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register. The document is part the building safety regulations which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to carry out an CP12 inspection of their properties as soon as they are rented out. They are also required to keep a record of this and give a copy to their current or new tenants. Failure to do this could result in penalties or even jail time for the landlord.
Landlords' responsibilities vary depending on the usage of the property, however there are some basic rules that all landlords must follow. This includes ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and fixing the property and providing the necessary documentation when selling or moving out.
If you suspect that your landlord isn't upholding their legal obligations in regards to safety in the building, it's a good idea to bring this issue to them. You might find that your landlord has neglected to reserve an CP12 and you are able to give them a second opportunity to do so. If they continue to not comply with the law, then you can report them to the HSE for a crime against public health.
What is included in the examination?
The CP12 is a tool that will protect your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It is a legal requirement in the UK for landlords, so display it prominently. Also give a copy to each tenant. This will demonstrate that you value your tenants' safety and take proactive measures to maintain property standards.
A CP12 is an inspection report that provides information on all gas appliances and pipework in your rental property. It must be signed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It must include the following:
Description and location of gas appliances. The appliances that passed or failed inspection. The name or registration number, as well as the signature of the engineer. The date of the checkup.
The engineer must inform you of any equipment that is unsafe to use and then provide the remedial steps required. You should then arrange to have it repaired before a new CP12 is issued.
In addition to examining the actual appliances, the CP12 will also look at the exhaust systems and flues in your home. This will ensure that they operate at the right pressure, are leak-free and operate safely. The test will also confirm that the appliances are burning gas in a correct manner.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for any future inspections. It is recommended that your subsequent inspections occur 12 months after the previous one. This will ensure that you always have a current CP12 and prevent any delays in issuing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord on file for a minimum period of two years. You must give the certificate to your tenant at the time they move in and you must give an updated CP12 within 28 days of the date of each inspection.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations oblige you to ensure that your properties that you rent are inspected annually for gas appliances. If your tenant refuses to allow you to access their property for these safety checks then you must write to them and explain that this is a legal requirement. You should also ask them to grant you access. If they refuse, you will only be able to shut off their gas after taking all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
What is the best way to get CP12?
To obtain the CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process 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 companies that provide CP12 checks and it's a good idea to conduct a quick Google search to find one near you. Once you have found an engineer, you can set up an appointment with them to visit and perform the test.
Landlords must hold a CP12 certification before renting their property. This is to ensure all gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings operate correctly and are safe. Gas safety regulations can result in severe fines or even jail time when they are not adhered to. The valid CP12 certification can also give landlords peace of assurance that they are making sure their tenants are safe and meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will provide information on whether or not the appliance has passed or failed the safety check. It will also provide any recommendations for action or repairs that are required to ensure the appliance's safety. Landlords are required to respond within 28 days. They must also provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
If a landlord doesn't have a CP12 in place, they could be penalized by the Health and Safety Executive. In addition, they will lose the right to expel their tenants under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it harder for landlords who are concerned about the safety of renting their properties.
While a CP12 could be an obligation under the law however, some landlords are hesitant to conduct an annual CP12 check. Many landlords make excuses such as not remembering, being busy or going on vacation. This could pose a significant risk to tenant safety, as carbon monoxide poisoning is an undiscovered danger that could cause illness and even death.
Landlords can avoid this by reminding tenants of the coming inspection. Klipboard is an application that allows users to schedule reminders for appointments, such as CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent out via SMS, email or a mobile app and can aid tenants in staying on the top of their maintenance obligations.