LANDLORDS HAVE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN IT COMES TO GAS SAFETY

As a landlord, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants. Landlords' duties apply to a wide range of accommodation, occupied under a lease or licence, which includes, but not exclusively: residential premises provided for rent by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, housing co-operatives, hostels rooms let in bed-sit accommodation, private households, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels rented holiday accommodation such as chalets, cottages, flats, caravans and narrow boats on inland waterways.

If you let a property equipped with gas appliances you have three main responsibilities: 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 to use. 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. All installation, maintenance and safety checks need to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The contract you draw up with the tenant should allow you access for any maintenance or safety check work to be carried out. You have to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to ensure this work is carried out, and this may involve giving written notice to a tenant requesting access, and explaining the reason. Keep a record of any action, in case a tenant refuses access and you have to demonstrate what steps have been taken.

If your tenant does not have a copy of a current gas safety certificate, thet are entitle to ask you for a copy. If you refuse, your tenant can complain to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).