11 "Faux Pas" You're Actually Able To Make With Your Gas Safety Certificate

· 6 min read
11 "Faux Pas" You're Actually Able To Make With Your Gas Safety Certificate

Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12

Any person who rents out a part or all of their property must be issued a CP12 Gas Safety certificate. This will ensure that all appliances are safe and complies with the law.

Landlords should also keep a record for every inspection. This will be helpful should the landlord 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 an Gas Safe registered engineer once a year. The landlord is required to give the certificates to new tenants at the beginning of a tenancy. They must also keep copies of any future inspections for the duration of their ownership of the property.

Landlords who don't adhere to the law place their tenants at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide and may face legal actions. They also risk losing their landlord insurance.

In order to conduct an inspection and issue the gas safety certificate, engineers need access to the premises, full details of all appliances that require checking and the make and model information for each appliance, along with access to the manufacturer's specifications. The engineers must be able of confirming that each appliance is functioning correctly and that all pipework and fittings are in good working order and safely secured.

Any issues discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and suggested solutions. If the issue cannot be corrected, another inspection will be needed and a new certificate will be issued when the issue is fixed. The CP12 will include the date of the next inspection. It is essential to schedule this quickly so that you do not run into any problems.

Only Gas Safe registered engineers can perform an assessment and issue gas safety certificates. Landlords are able to search on the internet for Gas Safe engineers in their area. Landlords should pick an engineer with competitive rates and a reliable service to make sure their tenants are safe from potentially dangerous gas related issues.

What is what is CP12?

A CP12 document is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer following a thorough examination of gas appliances fittings, flues and fittings within the property. This certificate is an essential part of the responsibilities a landlord has under UK law and helps to ensure that all tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords who fail to adhere to the law can be penalized severely, ranging from fines and prison.

The CP12 is a comprehensive document that lists all of the property's gas appliances, along with specific details of each inspection, as well as any issues identified. The document also includes the name of a Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date the inspection was conducted. Landlords are required to provide an original copy of CP12 to each tenant within 28 days following their annual inspection or prior to the tenant moving in.

It is crucial to choose the right Gas Safe registered professional to conduct a CP12 exam. The professional must have the knowledge and expertise to provide a thorough inspection. The best way to verify the credentials of an engineer is to examine their Gas Safe ID card, which will show their registration number as well as the types of work they're qualified to perform. It is also an excellent idea to read reviews and recommendations from other landlords.

Landlords that fail to maintain a valid CP12 are subject to serious legal penalties, such as penalties of imprisonment and fines. A CP12 is also required to be valid for insurance purposes. This makes landlords vulnerable financially in the event of a gas-related incident. To minimize the risk the best option is to schedule regular inspections by a Gas Safe engineer to ensure that all your properties have CP12s.

How can I get one?

A CP12 is an official document that confirms that the gas appliances within the property were inspected for safety. Landlords are required to maintain and have one for each property they lease to tenants. A CP12 contains details of the inspection, such as whether each appliance passed or failed, as well as the work required to bring them to a standard. This lets tenants know what they can expect when renting a property and it helps to avoid costly costs for the landlord if there is a problem.

A landlord must give an official copy of the CP12 to a new tenant within 28 days of the inspection. They must also keep records for their own reference. Landlords must also ensure to renew their CP12 before the expiration date because failing to do so could lead to a penalty fine or even criminal prosecution.

A CP12 certificate isn't just an obligation under the law however, it's also important 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 they can be addressed before they become a bigger issue.

You can search for an engineer registered on the internet if you're looking for an CP12.  gas safety certificate duplicate  can identify them using the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms as well as on their service vehicles. It is also advisable to check with CORGI the governing body (now Gas Safe), to ensure that your engineer is licensed to conduct CP12 inspections.

Another option is to use a streamlined landlord software solution such as Klipboard that allows engineers to complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates quickly and easily on the job without having to keep track of large pads of paper. They can also set service reminders for their clients, which will automatically notify them when their next check is due to be completed.

How long do they last?

When a landlord completes a CP12 and is able to pass it, the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the inspection. It is therefore important for landlords to schedule regular CP12 inspections and ensure that their certificates do not expire. If it doesn't, the landlord could be fined for breaking the law.

There are a variety of reasons landlords do not renew their CP12. One of the most common reasons is because they forget. This is not a valid excuse, and the best thing to do in this case is to politely remind them that the gas safety check is due and then plan the check right away.

It is also worth noting that there is no grace period when it comes to a CP12 and any landlord who does not have their certificate renewed after the expiry date will be in breach of the law. If the issue isn't fixed immediately, they may be unable to rent their home and even have their gas supply cut.

All engineers who are 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. You will see the logo of the official organization on the uniforms and vans of their companies. They will also carry a Gas Safe registration number which they need to present when booking an inspection. This registration number is unique and is used to check their status on the Gas Safe Register.

Where can I get one?

A CP12 is only issued by an engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. This guarantees that the engineer is competent to conduct a thorough inspection of gas appliances and flues. If an appliance fails the check the engineer will inform the landlord and suggest any required repairs to be made before the new certificate is issued. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days following the inspection.

Failure to have a valid CP12 poses significant risk to the health and safety of tenants, as well as putting the landlord in violation of the law. Incorrect appliances can release carbon monoxide that is colorless and smellless. They also can cause explosions and fires. Blocked flues can also prevent harmful gases being safely expelled out of the property which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check can help reduce these risks, as any issues that require to be taken care of can be addressed promptly. In accordance with the directions or manuals of the manufacturer landlords are also responsible for the annual maintenance of gas appliances and pipes within their rental properties. Landlords must also keep a record of all maintenance work.

Fortunately, with the aid of landlord free software like BOXT, keeping track of these vital tasks is a lot easier for landlords. It doesn't matter if it's setting an appointment to issue a CP12 or uploading the document to the online Property Manager, landlords can ensure that tenants receive an accurate and up-to date CP12 within the stipulated timeframe. This will help avoid penalties and other issues that may arise from failing to comply with the law.