The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Gas Safety Certificate
Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone renting out a part of or their entire property must have a CP12 gas safety certificate. This guarantees that all appliances are safe and comply with the law.
Landlords should also keep records for all inspections. This will come in handy should they ever decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Anyone renting out properties that have gas piping is legally required to have it examined and a gas safety certificate cp12 issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer once each year. Landlords are required to give the certificates to tenants at the beginning of the tenancy and keep copies of any future inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.
Landlords who fail to follow the law put their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and may face legal actions. They also risk losing their landlord insurance.
In order to conduct an inspection and issue a gas safety certificate, engineers need access to the premises and the full information of all appliances in need of checking and the make and model information for each appliance, as well as access to the manufacturer's specifications. The engineers must also be able to verify that every appliance is functioning properly and that all fittings and pipework are in good order and safely secured.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and remedies suggested. If the faults are not fixed, then a further inspection will be required and a new certificate will be issued when the problem is resolved. The CP12 will include the date of the next inspection. It is important to schedule this inspection as soon as possible in order to avoid any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords can search online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords can look online for an engineer certified by Gas Safe in their area.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following a thorough inspection of gas appliances, fittings and flues in the building. This certificate is a vital element of the landlord's responsibilities under UK law. It is a way to ensure that tenants are living in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to comply with the law could face severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The CP12 document contains a complete list of all gas appliances located in the building as well as specific information about every inspection and any issues that were identified. The document also includes the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date that the inspection was completed. The landlord must provide each tenant with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection or prior to the time a new tenant is moved into.
When choosing a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct an CP12 inspection, it is important to choose a reputable professional who has the experience and credibility required to conduct an extensive examination. The best method to confirm the credentials of an engineer is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which contains their registration number and the kinds of work they are able to do. It's also an excellent idea to read reviews and suggestions from other landlords.
Landlords who fail to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of severe legal penalties, such as fines and even imprisonment. In addition, lack of a CP12 could result in the cancellation of landlords' insurance policies, leaving them financially vulnerable in the case of a gas-related event. To reduce the risk, the best strategy is to schedule annual inspections by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that your properties are all equipped with CP12s.
How do I obtain one?
A CP12 is an official document that confirms that the gas appliances within the property were inspected for safety. It is legally required for landlords to get and maintain one for each property they rent out to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection, such as the degree to which each appliance passed, and any work required to bring them up to date. This lets tenants know what they can expect when renting a property and it can help avoid unexpected costs for landlords if an issue arises.
A landlord is required to provide the new tenant with a copy of their CP12 within 28 days of the inspection and also keep records for their personal use. Landlords are also required to renew their CP12 prior to its expiration or they could be liable to a fine or criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 certificate is not only a legal requirement however, it is crucial for the health of your tenants and well-being. A CP12 will reveal any potential issues with your rental property's gas supply or appliances, so that they can be addressed before they become a bigger issue.
You can search for a registered engineer on the internet if you're looking for an CP12. You can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on uniforms or on their service vehicles. It is also advisable to check with CORGI the organization that regulates the industry (now Gas Safe), to ensure that your engineer has been registered to perform CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a simple landlord software, like Klipboard which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and effortlessly in the field, without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also set service reminders for their clients, which will automatically send them a notification when their next check is due to be carried out.
How long are they good for?
If a landlord has completed an CP12 and is able to pass it the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. It is crucial that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and ensure that their certificate does not expire. If it does not the landlord is penalized for violating the law.
Often, there are multiple reasons why landlords may not be able to receive their CP12 renewed. One of the most frequent is that they just forget. This isn't a good excuse and the best thing to do in this scenario is to gently remind them that their gas safety checks are due and schedule the check immediately.
It is also important to remember that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who does not renew their certificate after the expiry date will be in violation of the law. This could mean that they won't be able to rent out their property and could risk being cut off from gas off if the issue isn't resolved immediately.
All engineers who have been authorized to conduct CP12 inspections and issue gas safety certificates are registered with the Gas Safe Register which operates on behalf of the UK Health and Safety Executive. This is an official body and you will be able see their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they are employed by. They also carry an Gas Safe registration number which they will need to provide when booking an inspection. This number is unique and is used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.
Where can I purchase one?
Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue the CP12. This assures that the engineer is fully competent to conduct an extensive inspection of gas appliances and flues. If appliances fail the inspection, the engineer will warn the landlord and suggest any necessary repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. The landlord is required to provide an original copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the time that the inspection took place.
A valid CP12 is vital for the safety and health of tenants. It also places the landlord in breach of the law. Incorrect appliances can release carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. gas safety certificate near me MK Gas Safety can cause fires and explosions. Additionally blocked flues can stop harmful gases from being safely emitted from the property, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help to reduce these risks, as any issues that require to be addressed will be addressed quickly. The landlord is also accountable for carrying out annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties in accordance to the instructions of the manufacturer or manuals. Landlords are also required to keep a record of every maintenance work.
With the aid of software that is free for landlords, such as BOXT, it is easier to keep track of these crucial tasks. It's as simple as setting up a CP12 reminder or uploading the CP12 to the online Property Manager. Landlords can make sure that tenants receive an authentic CP12 within the specified time. This will prevent fines and other issues that could arise from failure to adhere to the law.