Understanding the Difference Between a CP12 and a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate

As a landlord in the UK, you’ve probably heard the term “CP12 certificate” while organising a Gas Safety Check for your rental property. But what exactly does it mean, and is it different from a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

The Short Answer: There’s No Difference!

Let’s break it down together.

What Is a CP12 Certificate?

The CP12, which stands for CORGI Proforma 12, was the go-to document when CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) was the official gas safety authority in the UK. Engineers issued it after gas safety inspections. Although CORGI was succeeded by the Gas Safe Register in 2009, the term “CP12” remains a staple in industry lingo.

What Is a Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate?

Nowadays, you should use a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate or a Gas Safety Record. This vital document is issued following an annual inspection of your rental property’s gas appliances, fittings, and flues. Referred to as LGSI (Landlord Gas Safety Inspection), this thorough examination is essential for ensuring safety.

Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can conduct a Landlord Gas Safety Check, guaranteeing everything is safe for your tenants.

Essential Legal Requirements for Landlords

As a responsible landlord, you have legal obligations to fulfil:

1. Ensure that all gas appliances in your rental property are inspected annually.

2. Provide your tenants with a copy of the certificate:

• Within 28 days of the check for existing tenants.
• Before new tenants move in.
• Ensure that a Gas Safe-registered engineer conducts all inspections.

What’s Inside Your CP12 / Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?

Regardless of whether you call it a CP12 or a Gas Safety Certificate, it contains crucial information:

Description and location of each appliance or flue inspected
Engineer’s name, registration number, and signature
Date of inspection
Property address checked
Details of any defects found and actions taken
Confirmation that the inspection meets legal gas safety standards

Why Does the Name “CP12” Still Hang Around?

Although CP12 is no longer the official term, it remains familiar due to its widespread use. For legal matters, however, the correct approach is to use “Gas Safety Record” or “Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.”

How Do You Acquire a CP12 / Gas Safety Certificate?

Remember, you can’t just get this certificate from anywhere! Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can provide a valid certificate. After a successful inspection, a digital or paper copy of the report will be provided to you.