One of the most vital landlord responsibilities is checking that gas appliances in their properties are safe. A gas safety check needs to be carried out every 12 months.
By law, from 1 April 2009, only Gas Safe registered engineers should be employed to carry out work on gas installations or appliances – CORGI gas registration will not be valid.
The engineer should be able to provide you with a currentÂ
ID card. The card contains a photo of the engineer, theirÂ
business registration number and personal licenceÂ
number, company name, the start and expiry date
of the card and a security hologram. The reverseÂ
of the card details what kind of gas work theÂ
engineer is able to do. You can also call Gas
Safe Register during normal office hoursÂ
on 0800 408 5500 or go to the websiteÂ
www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
What are my duties as a landlord in relation to gas safety?
You have duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to arrange maintenance for all pipe work, appliances and flues, which you own and have provided for your tenants use. You must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. You must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.Â
What happens if I don’t maintain my tenants’ gas appliances?
Failure to do so may result in loss of life. Not only that, you risk being prosecuted, and this could result in you facing imprisonment or a fine of up to £20 000, or both, for each offence. If the case is then referred to the Crown Court the maximum penalty may be imprisonment, or an unlimited fine, or both.
