Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12): Your Legal Duty

Your Legal Obligation as a Landlord

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place a statutory duty on landlords to ensure the safety of their tenants from gas-related hazards. This means arranging for annual gas safety checks to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer on all gas appliances and flues supplied for tenants' use. The landlord must provide a copy of the valid gas safety record to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in. Records must be retained for at least two years. This rigorous approach ensures that potential dangers from carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks are identified and addressed promptly, safeguarding occupants.

• Annual gas safety check is mandatory.
• Performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Covers all gas appliances and flues.
• Records kept for two years.

What the Gas Safety Engineer Tests During a CP12 Inspection

During a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate inspection, a Gas Safe registered engineer will undertake a comprehensive series of checks. This includes examining the gas meter, all gas pipework, and every gas appliance within the property, such as boilers, cookers, and fires. The engineer will meticulously check for gas leaks, assess the operational safety of each appliance, and ensure that flues are clear and effective in expelling combustion products. They will also verify that ventilation is adequate for safe operation. Any defects found will be recorded, and the appliance classified according to its safety status, ranging from 'safe' to 'immediately dangerous'.

• Check gas meter and all gas pipework.
• Examine all gas appliances (boilers, cookers, fires).
• Test for gas leaks and safe operation.
• Inspect flues for blockages and ensure adequate ventilation.

Dealing with Access Problems and Defective Appliances

Gaining access to a property for a gas safety check can sometimes be challenging. Landlords must make reasonable efforts to arrange access with their tenants. It is advisable to provide written notice and keep records of all communication attempts. If access cannot be gained despite reasonable efforts, landlords should document these attempts thoroughly. Should an appliance be found to have a defect, the engineer will classify it (e.g., 'At Risk' or 'Immediately Dangerous'). An 'Immediately Dangerous' appliance must be immediately disconnected and sealed off by the Gas Safe registered engineer, and the tenant informed of the danger. Landlords are then responsible for repairing or replacing the appliance.

• Landlords must make reasonable efforts to gain access.
• Document all communication attempts for access.
• Defective appliances are classified by the engineer.
• Immediately Dangerous appliances are disconnected for safety.

CP12 Requirements for HMOs and Property Portfolios

For Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and landlords with property portfolios, the requirements for Landlord Gas Safety Certificates remain the same for each individual property. Every gas appliance and flue in every property must undergo an annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Managing multiple certificates can be streamlined by planning inspections efficiently across all properties. Brogas can assist landlords with multiple properties by scheduling appointments to ensure all compliance deadlines are met, helping to maintain safety standards across an entire portfolio. This ensures consistent safety and legal compliance for all tenants, regardless of the property type or number.

• Each property in an HMO or portfolio needs an annual CP12.
• All gas appliances and flues in every property must be checked.
• Efficient scheduling helps manage multiple properties.
• Brogas can assist with portfolio scheduling.

Combining Your CP12 with an Annual Boiler Service

Many landlords choose to combine their annual Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) inspection with a full annual boiler service. While the CP12 solely confirms the safety of gas installations and appliances, an annual boiler service goes further. It involves a detailed strip-down and clean of key boiler components, checking for wear and tear, and optimising the boiler's performance and efficiency. This combined approach offers several advantages: it's time-efficient, ensures both compliance and the longevity of your heating system, and often identifies minor issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns. Brogas offers a convenient combined service, ensuring both safety and optimal boiler function.

• CP12 confirms safety, service optimises performance.
• Combined service saves time and effort.
• Helps prevent future boiler breakdowns.
• Brogas offers a convenient combined service.

Brogas: Your Gas Safe Registered Partner

Brogas is a Gas Safe registered plumbing and heating business serving landlords in Wigan and surrounding towns. We understand the critical importance of gas safety and your legal obligations. Our qualified engineers provide thorough Landlord Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) inspections, ensuring every gas appliance and flue in your rental property meets the required safety standards. We can combine your annual CP12 inspection with a comprehensive boiler service, offering a seamless and efficient solution for your property maintenance needs. Brogas issues digital certificates, making record-keeping straightforward and accessible for landlords. For reliable, professional gas safety services, contact Brogas.

• Gas Safe registered engineers.
• Thorough CP12 inspections.
• Option to combine with annual boiler service.
• Digital certificate issuance for easy record-keeping.

Common questions