Gas Safety Certificate - CP12
By law, landlords must ensure gas appliances in properties they let are checked for safety every 12 months. Landlords should also hold a CP12 gas certificate, as evidence that the appliances have been checked and are safe for use.
Why do landlords need to hold a CP12 certificate?
Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive show between 20-30 people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year due to faulty appliances that have not been maintained or installed correctly.
Back in 1996, legislation was passed by the Government to ensure that landlords, whether they rent or let a property, ensure that all gas appliances and flues are tested annually. A Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out this work before issuing a CP12 certificate.
The gas safety inspection includes checking appliances, pipework, working and standing pressure, burner pressure, gas rates, ventilation, testing flue flow for the removal of combustible products, all flame failure devices function correctly, physical stability, ensure cooker brackets are present and effective, check evidence of unsafe procedures and report them.
A CP12 certificate is given to the landlord and a copy to the tenant. This provides security for landlords against possible prosecution from the tenant and gives the tenant satisfaction everything has been checked extensively.
Landlords keep the CP12 certificate and should have an inspection carried out annually thereafter. They may be liable to prosecution by the HSE if they do not comply.
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Landlord Inventory
Landlords are required to keep an up to date inventory of their property, unfurnished or furnished. This establishes the condition of the walls, kitchen appliances, gardens etc.
The importance of a detailed inventory is to protect the landlord against any changes the tenant might do to the property that is not in the lease agreement.
The inventory should be undertaken by a third party inventory clerk, who will provide a thorough and unbiased documented list. The tenant signs this list along with the lease agreement, as it becomes legally binding. This document will assist a Court Judge should any future disputes occur.
An independent inventory clerk prepares an inventory, check in report and check out report. These documents are provided to the landlord for each of his properties. Normally, one inventory is needed, should there be any change of circumstance then an updated inventory is recommended.
The cost of an inventory and check in list is payable by the landlord whilst the tenant upon signing, will agree to pay for the check out report. Should the tenant refuse to pay, you, as landlord, are entitled to deduct the monies from their deposit.
