What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Landlords are required to get the gas pipes and appliances checked by qualified experts to ensure that they are safe. The checks are also known as CP12 certificates and must be conducted every year.
A CP12 is CORGI Proforma 12 - it was the official UK gas inspection certificate until April 2009. Landlords are required to keep copies of their CP12 certificates for two years for potential audits.
What is a CP12?
A landlord's gas safety cp12 certificate is a document issued by an Gas Safe registered Engineer that confirms all gas appliances and installations in the property have been thoroughly inspected. This is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to ensure their tenants' health and well-being. Landlords are responsible for arranging and staying up-to-date with CP12 gas inspections, keeping their gas systems in good order and providing the CP12 documents to their tenants within 28 days of the date of each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name for the document from 1991 to 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 contain the name of the engineer who carried out the inspection, as well as any immediate safety measures that are required. The location of each gas appliance is also documented along with the results of any tests performed on flues, ventilation and other important information.
It is important that landlords have a CP12 as tenants are able to file complaints against landlords in accordance with section 21 of the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act. This could lead to fines and even eviction in certain cases.
Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide, which is a colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal if inhaled. In addition blocked flues can stop harmful gases from exiting the building, creating an additional fire hazard. The CP12 is also an opportunity for landlords to inform tenants of any potential risks in the building.
Although it is required by law to possess a CP12 but the process can be a bit daunting for landlords. Fortunately, there are services that can help make the process easier. Klipboard is one example. It allows landlords to schedule annual gas inspections, and also receive reminders about when to renew. These services can save landlords both time and money, while also making sure they're up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the annual checkups?
As a landlord, you have to provide a safe and secure place to live for your tenants and that includes making sure that all gas appliances are up to standards. This is why it's important to have CP12 inspections done each year and to give the copies of these certificates to your tenants immediately upon moving in. If a landlord fails to provide a valid CP12 they could be fined or even sent to prison.
gas safety certificate check is created by a specialist gas engineer who inspects every gas pipework, appliances and flues within your home. The CP12 includes the contact information of the engineer as well as an explanation and the where each appliance is located. The CP12 will also have an expiry date on it. After it expires you must book another appointment with a reliable gas safe engineer to get it renewed.
It is also important to note that the CP12 can only be produced 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 must legally conduct an CP12 inspection of their property immediately after it is rented. They must also keep a record of this and give a copy to their current or new tenants. If the landlord fails to comply with the requirements, they could be fined or even imprisoned.
Landlords' responsibilities vary depending on the usage of the property, however there are a few fundamental rules that all must follow. These include ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and fixing the property, and providing the necessary documentation when selling or moving out.
If you believe that your landlord isn't upholding their legal obligations in regards to security in the building, then it's a good idea to bring this issue to them. You might find that your landlord has forgotten to schedule the CP12 and you could give them a second opportunity to do so. If they continue not to adhere to the law, you could report them to HSE as an act of harm to public health.
What is included in a checkup?
The CP12 is a device which can shield your tenants from poisoning by carbon monoxide. It is legally required in the UK for landlords, so display it prominently. Also, you should give a copy to each tenant. This will show that you prioritize your tenants' safety and take proactive steps to ensure that your property is maintained to standards.
A CP12 report provides information on the gas appliances and pipework installed in your rental property. It must be completed by a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer. It must include the following:
Description and location of gas appliances. The appliances that have passed or failed the inspection. Name, 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 provide you with the remedial steps required. Then, you must make arrangements for it to be repaired before the new CP12 can be issued.
In addition to examining the actual appliances, the CP12 will also check any flues and exhaust systems in your home. This ensures that they're operating at the correct pressure, have no leaks and that they operate safely. It also checks that the appliances are burning gas correctly.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for all future inspections. It is recommended to plan your next inspections to take place 12 months after the last one. This will ensure you always have an up-to-date CP12 and avoid any delays in issuing new certificates to your tenants.
A CP12 must be kept by a landlord on the file for a minimum of two years. You must provide a copy of the CP12 to your tenant at the time of their move-in and you must issue a new CP12 after each inspection within 28 days.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require you to ensure that all your properties rented to tenants are tested every year for gas appliances. However, if your tenant is unable to access these checks, you must write to them explaining that the safety checks are legally required and ask them to grant you access. If they do not agree to allow access, you may only shut off the gas supply once you have taken all'reasonable steps' to gain access.

How do I obtain a CP12?
To obtain an CP12 certificate in the UK is a simple process that requires you to find an engineer who is Gas Safe registered to carry out an inspection of your property. There are numerous companies in your area that offer CP12 inspections. A quick Google search will allow you to find one. Once you've located an engineer, you can arrange an appointment for them to visit and conduct the test.
Landlords are legally obliged to have a CP12 certificate in place prior to renting their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances fittings, flues, and fittings are safe and working properly. Failure to adhere to the regulations on gas safety could result in hefty fines, and even prison in some instances. A valid CP12 certificate provides landlords with the peace of mind they require to ensure their tenants are safe and they are in compliance with legal requirements.
The CP12 will provide information on whether or not each appliance has been able to pass or fail the safety check. It will also provide any suggestions for actions or repairs that are required to make the appliance safe. Landlords must take action within 28 days. They must also provide their tenants a copy of CP12 within 28 days following the inspection.
If a landlord doesn't have a CP12 in place, they could be punished by the Health and Safety Executive. In addition, they may lose the right to evict their tenants under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This makes it harder for landlords who are worried about security to rent their properties.
While a CP12 is legally required for landlords, some are reluctant to perform an annual inspection. They usually make reasons like not remembering, being too busy or going to a holiday destination. This could pose a significant threat to the safety of tenants as carbon monoxide poisoning is an undiscovered danger that could cause serious illness and even death.
Landlords can stop this from happening by giving their tenants clear reminders of the upcoming inspection. Klipboard is an application that allows users to set reminders for appointments like CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent by email, SMS or mobile apps and will assist tenants to stay on top of their maintenance obligations.