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?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) state that between 20 and 30 people are killed each year due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as a result of faulty appliances that have not been maintained or installed properly. In 1996, the government passed legislation stating that all landlords who rent part of or an entire property must have all gas appliances and flues tested for safety annually. This work must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.Landlords should also hold CP12 certificates for the properties they let. A CP12 certificate provides information about the gas safety checks carried out, and is evidence that the appliances have been checked and are safe for use.

CP12 certificates provide landlords with security from possible prosecution in the event of an incident and also offer the tenant peace of mind. Prior to issuing a CP12 gas certificate to landlords, we undertake a gas safety inspection. This includes: checking  appliances and pipework for gas tightness; checking standing and working pressure if test points available; checking burner pressure / gas rate against manufacturer’s data plate; checking for satisfactory provision of all necessary ventilation; testing flue flow to ensure removal of products of combustion; checking satisfactory operation of all the flame failure devices; checking for physical stability, presence and effectiveness of cooker stability brackets (where appropriate); investigating any evidence of unsafe operation and report to a responsible person. An appliance cannot be deemed as having been checked, and a CP12 certificate cannot be issued, until this has been completed.

Landlords are required to keep a copy of the CP12 certificate and details of any work that is carried out. When we undertake the inspection, a copy of theCP12 gas certificate is left with the tenant. Landlords are liable to prosecution by the HSE if they do not complete a CP12 Gas Safety Inspection and Certificate every twelve months.

Electrical Safety Certificate

As it stands, unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. However, Landlords are obligated to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the The Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:

• Your property insurance may be invalidated
• A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
• Six month’s imprisonment
• The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
• Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths

These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive. To avoid legal penalisation, it is advisable for landlords to have periodic checks done by a qualified electrician.

While there isn’t a legal obligation on landlords to have professional checks carried out on the electrical appliances, there is, however, an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe, under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. It is a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuildingd comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work.Here are a few safety measures landlords can take themselves:

• Keep supplied appliances to a minimum.
• Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
• Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order – keep purchase receipts.
• Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs.
• Ensure that earth tags are in place.
• Make a note of all fuse ratings on the inventory.
• Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.
• Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses.
• Pay particular attention to second hand equipment – always have these items checked.
• Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances.
• Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.

On a final note, it’s always strongly advised that every landlord should make absolute carertainty they are complying with the appropriate electrical safety regulations to ensure that all electrical equipment supplied is safe. Get periodic inspections of electrical equipment by a qualified electrician.