What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipes and appliances in rental properties should be inspected each year by qualified engineers. The annual checks are also known as CP12 certificates.
CORGI Proforma 12, also known as CP12, was the official UK Gas Inspection Document up to April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years to allow for audits.
What is a CP12?
A landlord gas safety certificate cp12 comes from an Gas Safe registered engineer that confirms the property's gas appliances and installations have been inspected and passed. This is a legal requirement 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, maintaining their gas systems in good condition and providing the CP12 documentation to their tenants within 28 days of the date of 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. The CP12 was renamed to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also include the name of the engineer who carried out the inspection and any immediate safety precautions that are required. The location of each gas appliance is recorded, and any tests that are performed on ventilation and flues.
It's important for landlords to have a CP12 as without one, tenants may report the landlord to the authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. This could lead to fines or even evictions in certain cases.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can create carbon monoxide, which is a colourless and odourless gas which can be fatal when inhaled. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from safely exiting the premises, posing another 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 a requirement by law to possess a CP12 however, the process may seem daunting to many landlords. There are services that can help ease the process. Klipboard, for example, lets landlords schedule annual gas inspections and receive reminders regarding when to renew. These services can save time and money for landlords, while making sure they're current on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the health checkups?
As a landlord, you have to provide a secure place to live for your tenants and that includes making sure that all of the gas appliances meet standards. It is crucial to have CP12 inspections conducted every year, and provide copies of these certificates immediately after your tenants move into the property. If a landlord fails to provide an authentic CP12 could be fined or even sent to jail.
A CP12 document is produced by a specialist gas engineer who checks all the gas pipework, appliances and flues in your home. The CP12 will include the engineer's details and an explanation of the whereabouts of each appliance and its description. The CP12 will also have an expiry date on it. When it expires, you'll have to schedule another appointment with an experienced gas safe engineer to renew it.
It is also important to note that the CP12 can only be created by engineers who are 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 carry out the CP12 check on their properties when they lease them out. They are also required to keep records of this and provide their existing or new tenants with a copy the certificate. In gas safety certificate what is checked MK Gas Safety of a breach, it could lead to penalties or even jail time for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords are different according to how the property is used but there are some fundamental rules that everyone must adhere to. These include making sure that the gas system and all appliances are safe for tenants to use, maintaining repairs and maintenance and supplying all necessary documentation when selling or moving out of a property.
It's important to raise the issue respectfully with your landlord if you feel that they're not meeting their legal obligations related to building safety. You might find that your landlord has neglected to schedule an CP12 and you can give them a second chance to do so. If they don't adhere to the law you may be able to report them to HSE as a crime against the public health.
What is included in a health checkup?
The CP12 is a device which can shield your tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning. It's an obligation for landlords in the UK therefore ensure that you have it displayed prominently and give a copy of it to your tenants. This will show that you prioritize the safety of your tenants, and you take proactive steps to ensure that your property is maintained to standards.
A CP12 report includes information about all gas appliances and pipework that are installed in your rental property. It must be signed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It will include:
Description and location of all gas appliances. The appliances that have passed or failed the inspection. The name of the engineer, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the inspection.
The engineer must notify you that any equipment is unsafe to use and give you the remedial steps required. You must arrange that the equipment be repaired before an CP12 can be issued.
In addition to inspecting the appliances themselves In addition to checking the appliances, the CP12 will also look at any exhaust systems and flues in your property. This ensures they are working at the correct pressure, are not leaky and that they operate safely. It also ensures that the appliances are combusting gas in the correct way.
As well as a report of the inspection, your CP12 will also contain the dates on which future inspections are due. It is recommended that the next inspections occur 12 months after the previous one. This will ensure that you have a current CP12 and avoid any delays in the process of distributing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord in a the file for a minimum of 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 state that you must ensure that all your rented properties have their gas appliances checked every year. If your tenant does not allow you to access their property for these safety inspections You must write to them and explain that this is an obligation under the law. You will also ask them to give access. If they refuse the request, you'll 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 Gas Safe certified engineer to conduct an inspection of safety on your property is the simplest method to obtain an CP12 in the UK. There are a variety of firms that offer CP12 inspections, and it's a good idea do a quick Google search to find one in your local area. Once you've located an engineer, you can schedule an appointment with them to visit and carry out the inspection.
Landlords must hold a CP12 certification prior to renting their homes. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings are in good working order and safe. Gas safety regulations can result in massive fines and even imprisonment in the event of non-compliance. A valid CP12 certification can also give landlords peace of mind that they are making sure their tenants are safe and that they are meeting the legal requirements.
The CP12 will show whether the appliance has passed the safety test or failed. The CP12 will also list any recommendations or repairs needed to make the appliance safe. Landlords are required to respond 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 the landlord if they do not have a CP12 on file. Additionally, they could lose the right to expel their tenants under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it harder for landlords to rent out their properties, especially when they are concerned about security concerns.
While a CP12 is an obligation for landlords, some are reluctant to perform an annual check. Many landlords make excuses such as forgetting, being busy, or taking a vacation. This could pose a significant risk to tenant safety, because carbon monoxide poisoning can be an invisible danger that could cause serious illness and even death.
Landlords can avoid this by providing their tenants with clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. One way to do this is to utilize a landlord management tool like Klipboard that allows users to schedule reminders for service appointments, including CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent by SMS, email or mobile app and will help tenants stay on up to date with their maintenance obligations.