Landlord Gas Safety – Keeping Your Tenants Safe

Annual Gas Safety Check

Landlord Gas Safety certificates contribute to tenant safety in the UK.   It is a legal requirement to install carbon monoxide alarms and to have regular gas safety checks carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Annual safety checks of your rented property’s gas appliances will ensure they are working in optimal condition, giving you and your tenants peace of mind.

Inexpertly fitted and serviced gas appliances carry a high risk of fire, gas leaks and potentially, explosions. Each year, thousands of people in the UK become victims of carbon monoxide poisoning as a direct result of defective gas appliances.

How Can I Ensure my Tenanted Property is Gas Safe?

Here are WaterGuys top 7 Gas Safe Tips for Landlords:

1. Make sure to schedule your annual gas safety inspection in good time. You can arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out any time from 10-12 months after the last completed check, without affecting the original expected expiry date. Gas Safety checks usually take 45 minutes to an hour per property.
2. Only use a Gas Safe Registered engineer for the work. An incompetent engineer could put your tenants and your property at risk and will not be able to provide your Gas Safety Certificate. An up to date Gas Safety Certificate is part of an annually updated record and is a legal requirement for landlords.
3. Ensure your boiler is serviced annually. A regular service will keep your boiler running reliably, efficiently and safely. It is also a condition of most boiler warranties that regular services are performed by a qualified engineer.
4. Correctly Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm. A CO alarm is the best way to protect your tenants should any gas appliance become unsafe or malfunction. CO alarms must be correctly installed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for precise fitting details and ensure that the batteries are regularly checked.
5. Provide Adequate Ventilation in Rooms with Gas Appliances. Whilst most modern gas appliances are room sealed and do not require ventilation, some older boilers do require purpose provided ventilation. Good ventilation is essential for appliances to be able to burn gas properly. Air vents should regularly be cleaned and checked for blockages.
6. Look out for Warning Signs of Problems in Heating Systems. Liaise with your tenants on this one. Between each annual service, if you or they notice cracks, leaks, noises from the heating system, it’s usually a sign that there is a problem that needs to be checked before the next service.
7. What to do in a Gas Emergency. Again, your tenants must be educated on what to do if they smell gas:
   • – Increase ventilation by opening all windows and doors immediately
   • – Switch off the gas emergency valve control (also called the gas emergency shut off valve)
   • – Don’t use any electrical switches or naked flames
   • – Leave the property and call Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999 (England, Wales & Scotland)

Who to Call in a Gas Emergency

If you smell gas, want to report a gas leak or require gas emergency services, there’s a free, 24-hour National Gas Emergency Helpline you can call.

The gas emergency number you need depends on where in the UK you’re based and the type of gas that’s involved:

Conclusion

By law, it is your duty as a landlord to arrange annual gas safety checks for all gas appliances and flues. This check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will provide you with a Landlord Gas Safety Record (LSGR) detailing all the checks that were carried out.  Don’t forget to provide a copy of the LSGR to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection. 

WaterGuys are experienced Gas Safe registered engineers. We service tenanted property across central London.

Please call us to schedule your annual Gas Safety check on 020 313 77749