Why Landlords Need a Gas Safety Certificate CP12
Anyone who rents out part or all of their property must obtain an 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 can be useful if they ever 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 the property that has gas piping at least once per year. Landlords must present the certificates at the start of a new lease to tenants and retain copies for as long as the property is owned by them.
Landlords who do not comply with the law are placing their tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and face possible legal action. They also risk losing the landlord insurance cover.
Engineers need access to the premises to conduct the inspection and issue the gas safety certificate. They also need to know the model and make of each appliance and access to the specifications of the manufacturer. The engineers must also be able to confirm that each appliance is operating properly and that all fittings and pipework are in good working order and safely secured.
Any issues discovered during the inspection will be recorded on the CP12 and solutions will be suggested. If the problem is not addressed, a second inspection will be required and a new certification will be issued once the problem is resolved. The date on which the next inspection is scheduled will be noted on the CP12 and must be scheduled promptly to prevent any issues.
Only Gas Safe registered engineers are authorised to complete an assessment and issue an official gas safety certificate. Landlords can check online for the Gas Safe engineer in their area. Landlords should choose an engineer who offers competitive prices and an efficient service to ensure their tenants are protected from potentially dangerous gas-related issues.
What is what is CP12?
A CP12 is a certificate issued by an Gas Safe registered engineer following a thorough inspection of all gas appliances fittings, flues, and other appliances in a home. gas safe installation certificate is an essential part of the landlord's obligations under UK law. It assists in ensuring that tenants live in a healthy and safe environment. Landlords that do not adhere to the law can be penalized severely, ranging from fines and prison.
The CP12 is a comprehensive document that includes all the gas appliances in the home as well as the specific details of each inspection and any issues identified. The document also contains the name of Gas Safe registered engineer, their Gas Safe registration numbers, and the date the inspection was completed. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of their annual inspection, or prior to the time a new tenant moves into.
When selecting a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct a CP12 inspection it is essential to select a qualified professional who has the experience and credibility required to conduct a thorough examination. Checking the Gas Safe ID card of an engineer is the best method to confirm their credentials. The card will include their registration number and what kind of work they're qualified to do. It is also recommended to read reviews and recommendations from other landlords.
Landlords who neglect to maintain a valid CP12 are at risk of hefty legal penalties, such as fines and even imprisonment. Additionally, the absence of a CP12 can lead to the invalidation of insurance policies for landlords, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a gas-related accident. The most effective strategy for protecting yourself from these risks is to keep all of your properties' CP12s current and up to date by scheduling annual inspections with a licensed Gas Safe engineer.
How do I get one?
A CP12 is a document that certifies that gas appliances in the property were tested for safety. It is a legal requirement for landlords to get and maintain one for each property they rent out to tenants. A CP12 includes details of the inspection including the degree to which each appliance was passed, as well as any work needed to bring them back up-to-date. This helps tenants understand what to expect when renting out an apartment or house, and can help avoid unexpected expenses for the landlord in the event that there is a problem.
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 should also make sure to renew their CP12 prior to the date it expires, as failure to do so could leave them open to a penalty fine, or even criminal prosecution.
The requirement to obtain a CP12 isn't just a legal requirement but is also essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of your tenants. A CP12 will detect any potential issues with the gas supply to your rental property or appliances, so that they can be addressed before they turn into bigger issues.
If you're interested in getting a CP12 then you can locate an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe online. You can identify them by the Gas Safe Logo that they wear on their uniforms as well as on their service vehicles. It's also worth contacting the authority of CORGI (now Gas Safe) to ensure that your engineer is fully authorized to carry out CP12 inspections.
Klipboard is a software for landlords solution that lets engineers quickly and easily complete their CP12 Gas Safety Certificates in the field without keeping the track of large paper pads. They can also set reminders for service for their clients, which will automatically notify them when their next check is due to be completed.
How long are they expected to last?
The certificate issued to a landlord who successfully completes a CP12 is valid for 12 months after the date of the inspection. It is crucial that landlords book regular CP12 inspections and make sure that their certificate does not expire. If it does it, the landlord is breaking the law and could face a fine.
There are many reasons why landlords fail to renew their CP12. One of the most frequent reasons is that they do not remember. This isn't an excuse. The best option is to remind them politely that their gas safety inspection is due and 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 renew their certificate prior to the expiry date will be in violation of the law. If the problem is not fixed immediately, they may be unable to rent out their property and may even lose their gas supply.
Gas Safe Register, which is run by the UK Health and Safety Executive Registers all engineers who have been authorised to perform CP12 inspections and issuing gas safety certificates. You can see the logo of the official organization on the uniforms and vans of their firms. Gas Safe registration numbers are also required when you book an inspection. This number is unique to them and can be used to look up their details on the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure about their status.
Where do I get one?

A CP12 is only issued by an engineer who is registered on the Gas Safe Register. This ensures that the engineer is competent to conduct an extensive inspection of gas appliances and flues. If appliances fail the inspection the engineer will notify the landlord and suggest any needed repairs before the new certificate is issued. Landlords must give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days following the inspection.
A valid CP12 is essential for the safety and health of tenants. It also places the landlord in breach of the law. Not only do faulty appliances produce carbon monoxide that is odorless and colourless, but they also can cause explosions and fires. Blockage of flues can also stop harmful gases from being safely emitted from the premises which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
A regular CP12 Gas Safety Check will help reduce these risks, as any issues that need to be taken care of can be addressed quickly. In accordance with the instructions or manuals of the manufacturer landlords are also accountable for performing annual maintenance on gas appliances and pipework within their rental properties. The landlord should also keep a record of the maintenance work carried out.
Fortunately, with the aid of landlord free software such as BOXT, keeping track of these vital tasks is much easier for landlords. If this is done by setting an alarm to issue an 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. In the end, this will help avoid the hassles and fines that could result from not complying with the law.