NOW APPLICABLE: GAS SAFETY

Landlords are bound by law to ensure every property they rent is gas safe. There are a number of legal obligations to meet, which we explain here.

Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities

Around 50 people die every year and hundreds more are taken ill from carbon monoxide poisoning, and it is thought 1 in 6 gas appliances are unsafe. As a landlord, you have legal responsibility for gas safety in your rental properties. You have three main gas obligations to ensure tenants live in a safe environment, as follows:-

Maintenance

Pipework, appliances and flues must be maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If these are not available, it is recommended that they are serviced annually unless advised otherwise by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Gas safety checks

A 12 monthly gas safety check must be carried out on every gas appliance/flue. A gas safety check will make sure gas fittings and appliances are safe for your tenant to use.

Keeping a Record

A record of the annual gas safety check must be provided to your tenant within 28 days of the check being completed or to new tenants before they move in. Landlords must keep copies of the gas safety record for two years.