Landlords must have the gas pipes and appliances examined by certified engineers to ensure that they are safe. The inspections are also known as CP12 certificates and must be carried out every year.A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection document until April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificate for two years to be audited.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 comes from a Gas Safe registered engineer that certifies that the gas appliances and installations have been checked and approved. It is a legal requirement 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, keep their gas systems in a good condition, and send the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day time frame following each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation for CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official title for the document from 1991 to April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. This led to the CP12 became commonly known as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also contain the name of the engineer who performed the checkup and any immediate safety precautions that are required. The location of each gas appliance is documented along with the results of any tests performed on flues, ventilation and other vital information.
It is crucial that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to file complaints against landlords in accordance with section 21 of 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. This could lead to fines or even evictions in certain cases.
Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide, which is a colourless and odourless gas that could be fatal when inhaled. The blockage of flues can stop harmful gases from exiting the building safely, resulting in an additional fire risk. The CP12 is also a chance for landlords to inform tenants of any potential risks within the property.
Although it is required by law to possess a CP12, the process can seem daunting to many landlords. Luckily, there are services that can help simplify the process. Klipboard is one example. It lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections and get reminders when it's time to renew. These services can save both time and money for landlords, while ensuring that they are up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the checkups?
As an owner, you are required to provide a safe and secure place to live for your tenants, and that includes making sure that all of the gas appliances are in compliance with standards. This is why it's crucial to have CP12 checks carried out every year and to give the copies of these certificates to your tenants as soon as they move into. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 could be fined or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is produced by a specialised gas engineer who checks every gas pipework, appliances, and flues that are in your home. The CP12 will include the details of the engineer along with an explanation of the whereabouts of each appliance and its description. The CP12 will also include an expiry date. Once it expires, you will have to make another appointment with a skilled gas safe engineer to renew it.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 can only be created by engineers who have been registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is a part the laws on building safety, which are determined by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct a CP12 inspection of their properties when they rent them out. They must also keep a record of this and give copies to their new or existing tenants. In the event of a breach, it could lead to fines or even imprisonment for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords vary depending on the way in which the property is used, but there are some basic rules that everyone must follow. This includes ensuring that the gas system and all appliances are safe for tenants to use, keeping up with maintenance and repairs and providing any documentation required when selling or moving out of a home.
If you suspect that your landlord isn't adhering to their legal obligations regarding security in the building, then it's worth politely bringing this up with them. You may discover that your landlord didn't remember to reserve the CP12 and you could give them a second chance 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 the examination?
The CP12 is an important device that shields your tenants from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is legally required in the UK for landlords, so display it prominently. Also, give a copy to every tenant. 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 pipes installed in your rental property. It must be completed and signed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It must include:
Description and the location of all gas appliances. The appliance's condition, whether it have passed or failed the inspection. Name, registration number, and signature of the engineer. The date of the inspection.
The engineer must notify you if any equipment is unsafe to use and then provide the remedial steps required. You must arrange that the equipment be repaired before a CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not just check the appliances, but also the flues and exhausts in your home. This ensures they are working at the right pressure, have no leaks and are operating safely. The test will also ensure that the appliances are burning gas properly.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for future inspections. It is recommended that your next inspections occur 12 months after the last one. This will ensure that you always have an up-to-date CP12 and will avoid any delays in issuing 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 a new CP12 after each inspection within 28 days.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations oblige you to ensure that all of your properties that you rent are inspected annually for gas appliances. If your tenant refuses to allow you access to their property to conduct these safety checks You must write to them and explain that this is legally required. You can also ask them to give access. If they do not agree, you will only be able to disconnect their gas after taking all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
How can I get a CP12?
Finding a GasSafe certified engineer to carry out an inspection for safety at your property is the most efficient way to get a CP12 in the UK. You can find many companies in your local area which offer CP12 inspections. A quick Google search will allow you to locate one. Once you've identified an engineer, you can schedule an appointment with them to visit and conduct the inspection.
Landlords must hold a CP12 certification prior to renting their property. This is to ensure all gas appliances, fittings and flues work safely and are secure. Gas safety regulations could result in massive fines and even imprisonment if they are not followed. A valid CP12 certificate provides landlords with the peace of mind they require to ensure their tenants are safe and they are in compliance with legal requirements.
The CP12 will show whether the appliance has passed the safety test or failed to pass. It will also provide any recommendations for action or repairs that are needed to make the appliance safe. Landlords must ensure that they take the recommended action within 28 days. They must also provide tenants with a copy the CP12 certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
If a landlord fails to have a CP12 in place, they could be punished by the Health and Safety Executive. Additionally, they could lose the right to evict their tenants using Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it more difficult for landlords who are worried about security to rent 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 use excuses like forgetting, being busy or going on vacation. This poses a serious risk to tenant safety, since carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible danger that could cause illness or even death.
Landlords can prevent this by reminding their tenants of the coming inspection. One way to do this is to use a landlord management tool like Klipboard that allows users to set reminders for service appointments, including CP12 renewals. These reminders can be sent via text message, email, or on the mobile app, and will assist them in keeping track of their obligations to maintain their rental.
