A Checklist for Gas Safety in Private Rented Properties
According to a recent Gas Safe Register study, one in every four homes in the UK has a potentially dangerous gas appliance, with the potential for life-threatening consequences such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Landlords and agents must ensure that these appliances are safe and up to date with yearly inspections. They risk a fine or incarceration if they do not comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Gas Safety Inspection
According to government guidelines, landlords or property managers must use an engineer registered with Gas Safe to safely install and maintain all gas equipment in their properties, as well as perform an annual gas safety check on each appliance.
What Should be Checked for Gas Safety?
The legislation covers “permanent and portable gas appliances and flues,” including those provided by the landlord for use by the tenant.
If the tenant provides their own gas appliance, they are responsible for their own appliance’s safety. The landlord or agent, however, is still liable for the pipes and associated installation. Tenants who intend to install a gas appliance must notify their landlord or agent in advance. They should request that those appliances be included in future checks at a “reasonable cost.”
Maintaining a Record
After the appliances have been inspected for safety, the landlord or agent will be given a Gas Safety Certificate, which they must keep for at least two years. They must share the most recent version with tenants before moving into the property or within 28 days of a mid-tenancy check.
Resolving any Safety Concerns
If any safety issues are discovered during the equipment inspection, the landlord or agent must either correct the problem at the time of the inspection or take “prompt action” to correct any defect as soon as possible. If the problem with the heating is highlighted, the landlord or agent must provide an alternative heating solution.
If an appliance is suspected to be unsafe or dangerous, tenants should not use it until a solution to make it safe has been identified. The check record is a “living document” that should be supplemented with any proof of follow-up action.
This article is only meant to be a guide. It is not exhaustive and is not intended to be legal advice. For more information, please refer to hse.gov.uk.
