What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate CP12?
Gas pipework and appliances in rental properties must be examined each year by qualified engineers. The annual checks are also called CP12 certificates.
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 certificate for a period of two years, in order to be audited.
What is what is CP12?
A landlord gas safety cp12 certificate is a document issued by a Gas Safe registered Engineer that certifies that all gas appliances and installations in the property have been inspected. It is a requirement in the UK for landlords to provide this certificate. This is to ensure the safety and health of their tenants. Landlords must organize and keep up-to-date with CP12 Gas Inspections, maintain their gas systems in a good condition, and provide the CP12 Documentation to their tenants within a 28-day time frame following each inspection.
The CP12 is an abbreviation of CORGI Proforma 12, which was the official name of the document from 1991 until April 2009. Gas Safe Register replaced the Council for Registered Gas Installers in April 2009. The CP12 was changed to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.
A CP12 will also include the name of the engineer who performed the inspection and any immediate safety actions that are required. The location of every gas appliance is recorded as are any tests conducted on flues and ventilation.
It's important for landlords to have a CP12 since without one, tenants could report the landlord to the authorities under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In some instances this could result in fines or even the possibility of eviction.
Gas appliances that are not working properly can produce carbon monoxide. This colourless, odourless gas is deadly if inhaled. In addition, blocked flues can prevent harmful gases from safely leaving the premises, posing an additional fire hazard. The CP12 also allows landlords to inform tenants about any risks that could be present in the property.
While it is a requirement by law to have a CP12 however, the process may be a bit daunting for landlords. There are services available to simplify the process. For example, Klipboard allows landlords to schedule their annual gas inspections ahead of time and receive reminders when it's time to renew. These services will save time and money for landlords as well as making sure that they're up-to-date on their CP12s.
Who is responsible for the examination?

As an owner, you are required to provide a safe place to live for your tenants, and this means ensuring that all of the gas appliances meet standards. This is why it's crucial to have CP12 checks done every year and to provide copies of these certificates to your tenants as soon as they move in. A landlord who doesn't provide an authentic CP12 could be penalized, or even sent to jail.
A CP12 is a form of documentation created by a specialist engineer who will examine all of the gas pipework, appliances and flues on your property. The CP12 will include the engineer's details as well as an explanation of the location of each appliance and its description. The CP12 will also include an expiry date. After it expires it is necessary to make another appointment with a reputable gas safe engineer to have it renewed.
It's also worth noting that the CP12 can only be created by engineers who have been registered with the Gas Safe Register. This is due to the fact that the document is part of the laws on building safety, which are determined by the Health and Safety Executive.
Landlords are legally required to conduct a CP12 check on their properties at the time they are rented out. They must also keep a record of this and provide their existing or new tenants with a copy of the certificate. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to penalties or even jail time for the landlord.
The responsibilities of landlords vary based on the purpose of the property, but there are a few basic rules that all landlords must follow. This includes ensuring that the gas system is safe for tenants, maintaining and repairing the property, and supplying any documentation needed when selling or moving out.
It's important to bring this up in a respectful manner with your landlord if you think that they are not meeting their legal obligations related to building safety. You may find that your landlord has neglected to reserve a CP12 and you are able to give them another chance to do so. If they don't comply with the laws and regulations, you can report them to HSE as an offence against public health.
What is included in the examination?
The CP12 is a crucial tool to protect your tenants from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a legal requirement in the UK for landlords, so be sure to display it prominently. Also give an exemplar to each tenant. This will demonstrate that you prioritise your tenants' safety and are taking proactive measures to ensure the standards of your property are maintained.
A CP12 is one of the reports that includes details of all the gas appliances and pipework within your rental property. It must be completed and signed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. It will comprise the following information:
Description and the location of gas appliances. If the appliance passed or failed the test. The name of the engineer, registration number and signature of the engineer. The date of the inspection.
The engineer must notify you of any equipment that is unsafe to use and provide you with the necessary remedial measures. You should then arrange for it to be repaired before the new CP12 can be issued.
The CP12 will not just check the appliances themselves, but also the exhausts and flues in your home. This will ensure that they are operating at the right pressure and free of leaks. It also checks that the appliances are burning gas correctly.
Your CP12 will also contain the dates for all future inspections. It is recommended that the next inspections occur 12 months after the last one. This will ensure that you always have a CP12 valid and avoid any delays when issuance of new certificates.
A CP12 certificate must be kept on file by a landlord for a minimum of two years. You must give an original copy to your tenant when they move in. You must provide a new CP12 within 28 days of the date of each inspection.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require you to ensure that all your rented properties are checked every year for gas appliances. If your tenant is unwilling to let you into their property to conduct these safety checks then you must write to them and explain that this is an obligation under the law. You should also ask them to give access. If they refuse, you will only be able to disconnect their gas if you take all "reasonable steps" to gain access.
What is the best way to get CP12?
The process of obtaining the CP12 certificate in the UK is a straightforward process that requires you to find an engineer registered with Gas Safe to conduct the safety inspection on your home. There are numerous firms that offer CP12 inspections, and it's a good idea do an easy Google search to find one in your area. Once you have found an engineer you can arrange an appointment for them to come and conduct the test.
Landlords are legally obliged to be able to show a CP12 certificate in place before renting out their properties. landlord gas safety certificates is to ensure that all gas appliances including flues, fittings and fittings are working safely and properly. Gas safety regulations can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment when they are not adhered to. A valid CP12 certification also gives landlords peace of assurance that they're making sure their tenants are safe and that they are meeting legal requirements.
The CP12 will provide information on whether or not each appliance has passed or failed the safety check. The CP12 will also list any recommendations or repairs that are required to make the appliance safe. Landlords are required to ensure that they implement the recommended action within 28 days. They must also provide tenants with a copy of the CP12 certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
If a landlord fails to have a CP12 in place, they may 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 more difficult for landlords worried about safety to rent their properties.
While a CP12 is legally required for landlords, some are hesitant to conduct an annual check. They typically make reasons like forgetting, being too busy or going to a holiday destination. This could pose a significant danger to the safety of tenants, since carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible danger that could cause illness or even death.
Landlords can prevent this by providing their tenants with clear reminders of the coming inspection. One option is to utilize an application for managing landlords, such as Klipboard that allows users to set reminders for service appointments, such as CP12 renewals. These reminders are sent via SMS, email or mobile app and will help tenants stay on top of their maintenance obligations.