Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who leases out a portion or all of their property must obtain a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This ensures that the appliances are safe and in compliance with the law.
Landlords also need to keep records of all inspections. This will be helpful should the landlord decide to sell their property.
Legal Requirements
Gas Safe registered engineers must inspect and issue an cp12 gas safety certificate to anyone renting out the property that has gas piping at least once a year. The landlord must present the certificates at the beginning of a new tenancy to tenants and keep copies for as long as the property remains owned by them.
Landlords who don't comply with the law are placing their tenants at risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning and could face possible legal action. They also risk losing the insurance protection for landlords.
Engineers require access to the premises for the purpose of conducting the inspection and issue a gas safety certificate. They must also be aware of the model and manufacturer of each appliance and access to the manufacturer specifications. The engineers must also be able to confirm that each appliance is operating correctly and that all pipes and fittings are in good order and properly secured.
Any problems identified during the inspection will be noted on the CP12 and suggested solutions. If the issues cannot be fixed then a further inspection will be needed and a new certificate will be issued when the problem is resolved. The date when the next inspection is due to be recorded on the CP12 and should be scheduled promptly to avoid any problems.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers can conduct an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords are able to search online for an Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords can look online for a Gas Safe engineer in their area.
What is a CP12?
A CP12 is a document issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following a thorough inspection of all gas appliances, fittings, and flues at a property. This certificate is an essential element of the responsibilities a landlord has under UK law and helps to ensure that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords that do not adhere to the law can be punished severely, including penalties like fines and imprisonment.
The CP12 is a comprehensive document that lists all of the property's gas appliances as well as the specific information about each inspection and any issues that were discovered. The document also includes the name of the Gas Safe registered engineer who performed the test as well as their Gas Safe registration number, and the date of the inspection. do homeowners need a gas safety certificate are required to give an original copy of CP12 to all tenants within 28 days of their annual inspection or prior to the tenant moving into.
It is crucial to choose a Gas Safe registered professional to conduct an CP12 exam. The person you choose should have the experience and reputation to conduct a thorough examination. The best method to confirm an engineer's credentials is to verify their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number and the types of work they are qualified to perform. It is also recommended to read reviews and recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who fail to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of serious legal penalties, which could include fines and even jail time. In addition, lack of a CP12 could lead to the cancellation of insurance policies for landlords, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. The most effective strategy for avoiding these risks is to keep all of your properties' CP12s up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a licensed Gas Safe engineer.
How can I get one?
A CP12 is an official document that proves that the gas appliances inside a property were checked for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and obtain one for every property they lease to tenants. A CP12 provides details about the inspection, such as whether each appliance passed or failed, and any work required to bring them up to standards. This ensures that tenants know what they can expect when renting a property and it helps prevent unexpected costs for landlords if there is a problem.
A landlord must give an original copy of the CP12 to the new tenant within 28 days of the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords should also make sure to renew their CP12 before the expiration date in the event that they fail to do this could expose them to a penalty fine or even criminal prosecution.
Getting a CP12 isn't just a legal requirement but is also essential for the health and well-being of your tenants. A CP12 will identify any potential issues in the gas supply of your rental property or appliances, so they can be addressed before they become bigger problems.
You can locate a registered engineer online if you are searching for a CP12. You can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms or on their service vehicles. It is also advisable to check with the authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to make sure that your engineer is registered to carry out CP12 inspections.
Another option is to utilize a streamlined landlord software solution, like Klipboard which allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and conveniently on the job without having to keep track of heavy pads of paper. They can also create service reminders that notify their customers when the next check is due.
How long do they last?
The certificate given to a landlord who successfully completes the CP12 is valid for 12 months following the date of the inspection. This is why it's vital for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and to make sure that their certificate doesn't run out. If it doesn't, the landlord could be punished for breaking the law.
There are a variety of reasons landlords fail to renew their CP12. One of the most frequent is that they just forget. This isn't a good excuse and the best thing to do in this situation is to politely remind them that their gas safety checks are due and plan the check right away.
It is important to note that there is no grace period for a CP12 and any landlord who doesn't renew their certificate after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. This could mean they will not be able to let their property, and could be at risk of being cut off from gas off if the issue isn't fixed straight away.
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'll be able to see their logo on their uniforms and on the vans of the companies they are employed by. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when you book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to search their information on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about their status.
Where do I get one?
Only those registered on the Gas Safe Register can issue a CP12. Highly recommended Site assures that the engineer is fully competent to conduct an extensive inspection of gas appliances and flues. The engineer will notify the landlord if the appliance fails the test and recommend that any repairs required be made prior to issuance of the new certificate. The landlord is required to provide a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate to tenants within 28 days of the inspection taking place.
Inability to obtain a valid CP12 could pose significant health and safety risks for tenants, as well as putting the landlord in violation of the law. Not only can faulty appliances produce carbon monoxide, which is colourless and odourless, but they also can cause fires and explosions. Additionally blocked flues could prevent harmful gases from being safely emitted from the building, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Regular CP12 Gas Safety inspections can help to reduce these risks because any issues can be resolved quickly. The landlord is also accountable for carrying out annual maintenance on all gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or manuals. Landlords are also required to keep a record of every maintenance work.
With the aid of free landlord software such as BOXT, keeping track of these crucial tasks is much easier for landlords. It doesn't matter if it's setting a reminder 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 required timeframe. This helps avoid the hassles and fines that can come from not observing the law.