Why We Why We Gas Safety Certificate (And You Should Too!)
Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Any person who rents out a part or all of their home must be issued an CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and that they are in compliance with the law.
Landlords should also keep the records of all inspections. This will be useful should the landlord decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue an cp12 gas safety certificate to any person renting out a property with gas piping at least once a year. Landlords must present the certificates at the beginning of a new tenancy to tenants and retain copies for as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who fail to adhere to the law place their tenants in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning and may face legal action. They also run the risk of losing their insurance coverage for landlords.
Engineers need access to the premises to conduct the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They also need to be aware of the model and brand of each appliance, and have access to the specifications of the manufacturer. Engineers should also be able to verify that each appliance functions properly and that all fittings, pipework and other equipment are in good condition.
Any problems found during the inspection will be noted on the CP12, and solutions will be suggested. If the issues are not fixed, then another inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued when the issue is fixed. The date when the next inspection is due will be noted on the CP12 and should be scheduled in a timely manner to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can complete an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords are able to look online for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer who offers competitive prices and an efficient service to ensure their tenants are safe from potentially dangerous gas-related issues.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 is a certificate issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following an extensive inspection of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings within a building. This certificate is an essential part of the landlord's obligations under UK law and helps ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who do not comply with the law could face severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 document is a comprehensive list of all gas appliances located in the property as well as specific details about every inspection and any issues that were found. The document also contains the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date on which the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to give an original copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days of their annual inspection, or before a tenant moves into the property.
When selecting a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection it is essential to choose a reputable professional with the expertise and reputation needed to provide an extensive examination. The best method to confirm an engineer's credentials is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number as well as the type of work they're qualified to do. It's also a good idea to review and get recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of severe legal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. A CP12 is also required for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the case of a gas related incident. The best way to protecting yourself from these risks is to ensure that you keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a certified Gas Safe engineer.
How do I obtain one?
A CP12 is a valid document that demonstrates that the gas appliances within the property have been tested for safety. It is legally required for landlords to obtain and maintain one for each building they rent out to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection, such as whether each appliance passed or failed, and any work needed to bring them to a standard. This lets tenants know exactly what they are getting from a rental property, and helps to prevent landlords from incurring unexpected costs if there is a problem.
A landlord must provide an applicant with an original copy of their CP12 within 28 days of the date of the inspection and keep records for their own use. Landlords must also renew their CP12 prior to its expiration or they could be subject to being fined or even a criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain the CP12 isn't just a legal obligation but is also essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will identify any potential issues in your rental property's gas supply or appliances, so that they can be addressed before they become a bigger issue.
If you're interested in getting a CP12 then you can locate an engineer who's registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms as well as on their service vehicles. You should also check with CORGI, the authority (now Gas Safe), to confirm that your engineer is registered to conduct CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a software for landlords solution that lets engineers quickly and easily complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates while on the field, without having to keep an eye on bulky paper pads. They can also create service reminders that send out notifications to their clients when their next check is due.
How long are they good for?
If a landlord is able to complete a CP12 and passes it, the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. It is therefore essential that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and ensure that their certificate does not expire. If it doesn't, the landlord could be penalized for violating the law.
There are a variety of reasons why landlords might not have their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent reasons is that they forget. This is not a reason to excuse. The best option is to gently remind them that their gas safety inspection is due, and then plan it as soon as possible.
It is important to note that there is no grace period when it comes to a CP12 and any landlord who fails to have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. If the issue isn't resolved immediately, they could not be able to rent their property and may even have their gas supply cut.
Gas Safe Register, which is run by the UK Health and Safety Executive is a register of all engineers who have been authorised for CP12 inspections and to issue gas safety certificates. This is an official organisation and you will be able to spot their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they are employed by. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when booking an inspection. This number is unique and is used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can gas safety certificate what is checked buy one?
Only engineers registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. This ensures the engineer is qualified to conduct an in-depth inspection. The engineer will notify the landlord if the appliance fails the test and will recommend that any repairs required be made prior to issuance of the new certificate. Landlords are required to give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days after the inspection.
A valid CP12 is essential for the health and safety of tenants. It also makes landlords in violation of the law. Incorrect appliances can release carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They may also trigger fires and explosions. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely expelled from the building, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular CP12 Gas Safety inspections can help to reduce the risk of these accidents because any issues can be addressed promptly. The landlord is also responsible to perform annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties, in line to the instructions of the manufacturer or manuals. Landlords must also keep a log of all maintenance work.
With the help of free software for landlords, such as BOXT, it is much easier to keep track of these important tasks. It doesn't matter if it's setting an alarm to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that tenants receive an up to date CP12 within the timeframe required. This will help avoid fines and other problems that can arise from failing to comply with the law.