Faulty gas appliances can kill. So, you should ensure gas boilers, ovens and fires are installed safely and working correctly for the safety of your tenants. To help you get it right, we answer the questions landlords ask us about gas safety.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 says it is a legal requirement for Landlords to ensure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues are safe and working efficiently. This means you must:
A qualified, Gas Safe Registered engineer must carry out the annual safety check. The engineer will inspect all gas appliances, pipework and flues – and then provide you with a landlord gas safety certificate.
Give your tenant a copy of the landlord gas safety certificate within 28 days of the safety check – or of them moving into the property.
It is up to you to organise the maintenance needed to ensure that all gas appliance fittings, pipework, chimneys and flues are kept in a safe condition so there are no gas leaks. For gas boilers, organising an annual service is a good idea – this is not the same as the gas safety check. If you’re unsure, get advice from a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
A landlord gas safety certificate or gas safety report is the paperwork you get when a Gas Safe-registered engineer has inspected the gas appliances and flues on your property. The engineer will let you know if any action is needed to make the property safe.
You could face a fine of up to £6,000 or six months in prison. If you don’t give your tenant a copy of the certificate at the right time, you may find it difficult to evict them if necessary.
An engineer should check all gas systems and appliances, including the gas supply, gas boiler, and any gas fires. They should:
Costs will vary depending on local rates and how many appliances need checking in the property. According to Compare the Market, you should expect to pay between £30 and £90. Get at least three quotes from Gas Safe-registered companies first – find them on the Gas Safe website.
The certificate lasts 12 months, so you must repeat it annually. You can have a gas safety check from 10 to 12 months after your previous inspection without affecting the original expiry date.
You should keep it for at least two years to demonstrate compliance history and maintain a clear gas safety check record.
Generally, landlords aren’t responsible for appliances owned by a tenant. But when it comes to gas, you must ensure the connecting pipework and flues are safe. You could offer to include the appliance in your servicing, maintenance or safety checks and pass on any costs to your tenant.
No, you can only access the property with at least 24 hours’ notice and the tenant’s consent. Gas safety checks do not automatically give you the right to enter the property without permission.
However, if tenants refuse entry for the inspection, they may breach their tenancy agreement. In this situation, it is best to explain why you need access to the property and provide tenants with advanced written notice so they can plan around the visit. If this fails, you should inform the council and record your correspondence with the tenant to prove that you’ve done everything necessary to conduct a gas safety check. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to consider serving an eviction notice so you can make the property safe.
In a gas emergency, you can enter the property without permission. An emergency is a situation where there is an immediate threat to life or to the property’s structure (e.g. a gas leak). You can call the National Gas Emergency Service 24/7 on 0800 111 999 so they can send a registered gas safety engineer to resolve the situation.
Yes, all properties must have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in these parts of the home:
One exception is any room where the only fuel-burning appliance is a gas cooker – most likely the kitchen.
What’s changed? Previously, you only needed to install alarms in rooms with an appliance that burnt solid fuel (like wood or coal). Now this extends to all fuel-burning devices.
Find out more about landlord gas safety certificates and landlord gas safety checks on the Gas Safe website. If you need further guidance, read our landlord checklist to become compliant with the law across the board – from health and safety regulations to tenancy agreements.
If you’re concerned about any aspect of renting out property in the Brighton and Hove area, please do give us a call. We’d be happy to advise you and tell you more about the services we offer.
Do you have any questions about the topic above? Our team of experts is here to help in answering any query you may have.
Fueled by his desire to be the best, most reputable estate and lettings agent in town, Steve has spent his career cultivating The Property Shop. Steve prides himself on his authenticity, honesty, and knowledge-base which is emulated by The Property Shop and his team.
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