18 people a year in the UK die from gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, and another 310 are injured (source: HSE Gas Safety Statistics). Don't let next year's statistics be your tenants.
Landlords have a duty to maintain all gas equipment, fixed and mobile heaters, flues etc. Such equipment must be inspected every year: the tenant should be given a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate as the beginning of their tenancy, and within 28 days of subsequent inspections. Only Gas Safe-registered inspectors should carry out safety inspections. Landlords should keep records of inspections, including details of any defects noted and work to be completed: tenants have the right to see this information. Copies of Gas Safety Certificates should be kept for at least two years.
Landlords who fail to ensure their properties follow gas safety legislation could be facing a £5,000 fine for each offence. Remember, you cannot delegate gas inspection responsibilities to your tenants.
What tenants should know about gas safety
Not all the responsiblity for gas safety within a property lies with the landlord: tenants have responsibilities too. And though these are mostly common sense, it's worth making sure your tenants are aware
- how to switch off the gas
- what to do in an emergency: if your tenant smells gas or suspects a leak, they should call 0800 111999, the 24 hour emergency gas service. If there is a known or suspected problem with a gas appliance, they should notify the landlord as soon as possible, and stop using the appliance until repairs are complete.
- allow access for inspections: landlords should give reasonable notice of their annual gas safety inspection, and tenants should not impede access for this purpose.
- don't interfere with existing gas installations, or bring any known faulty equipment into the property.
Find out more on the Gas Safe website.
