The gas safety certificate, also known as the CP12, is a certificate confirming that your gas appliances and fixtures are working safely. The certificates are produced following an inspection by gas engineers registered on the Gas Safe Register, and are valid for one year.
Who needs them?
Homeowners
There is no legal requirement for homeowners to have gas safety certificates. Many will nevertheless opt to have one. Faulty gas appliances can be highly dangerous, so getting all your appliances, fixtures and flues checked will give you peace of mind knowing that your appliances are working safely. Furthermore, if you are planning to sell your home, having a recent gas safety certificate may help to reassure potential buyers.
If homeowners install a new boiler or any other gas appliance, it must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will provide a Gas Safe certificate. This will confirm the appliance meets the relevant UK safety standards and legal requirements.
Landlords
It is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to produce a gas safety certificate covering each gas appliance in their properties. These must be renewed annually. The certificate will only cover gas appliances belonging to the landlord; appliances belonging to tenants would not be covered, as the landlord is not responsible for these. Failure to comply with the requirements could have serious consequences, so landlords must ensure that the property is checked annually, and the certificate updated. Landlords are required to give each tenant a copy of the certificate no later than 28 days after they move in or within 28 days of the check.
Commercial Property Owners
Owners and managers of commercial premises are required by UK law to have gas safety certificates. Failure to comply with the requirements can result in serious penalties, and can also invalidate many insurance policies.
There are several different certificates covering commercial properties. The CP17 or Gas Safety Inspection Certificate is given after all gas appliances, flues and pipework have undergone a thorough inspection by qualified engineers. The CP16 or Gas Installation Safety Report certifies the correct and safe installation of a new appliance in a business property.
Xgas can provide qualified and experienced engineers who can check the safety of your appliances, flues and pipes. Whether you are a landlord, a homeowner or a business owner, if you need your property checked for gas safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
