Practical Advice To Help You Profit From Rental Property
Gas Safety Advice
Every year about thirty people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been installed
or maintained correctly. Many others suffer ill health. Landlords have a duty under the law to ensure that gas appliances, fittings and flues
provided for tenants' use are safe. The Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 specifically deal with the installation, maintenance
and use of gas appliances, fittings and flues.
What Are A Landlord's Duties
Landlords are required to:
ensure gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced annually by a
CORGI-registered installer
ensure an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance and flue. Before any new lease starts you must make sure that these
checks have been carried out within one year before the start of the lease date, unless the appliances in the property have been installed
for less than 12 months
have all installation, maintenance and safety checks carried out by a CORGI-registed gas installer
keep a record of each safety check for at least two years
issue a copy of the latest safety check record to existing tenants within 28 days of the check being made, or to any new tenant before
they move in
How To Check If The Gas Intataller Is CORGI-registered?
The installer should be able to produce a current CORGI photo ID card. The card contains a photo of the installer, their CORGI registration
number, their trading title and the expiry date of the card. You can also call CORGI on 01256 372300 or visit www.corgi-gas.com.
What If An Appliance Fails The Safety Check?
The safety check record will contain details of any defect identified and any remedial action taken. You must ensure that any safety defect is
rectified by a CORGI-registered gas installer before the equipment is used again. It is an offence to use, or allow the use of, a gas appliance
you know to be unsafe. In no circumstances should you reconnect an appliance that you have been told is unsafe, that has either been isolated or
disconnected for safety reasons, until the fault has been rectified.
The Penalties For Failure To Maintain Tenants' Gas Appliances
Failure to maintain appliances may result in the loss of life. You also risk being prosecuted, and this could result in a fine of up to £5000
for each offence. If the case is then referred to the Crown Court the maximum penalty may be an unlimited fire and the possibility of
imprisonment.
In The Event Of A Gas Escape
Inform your tenants what they need to do in the case of a gas escape. If there is a smell of gas or a gas escape is suspected the tenant
should immediately do the following:
open all doors and windows
shut off the gas supply at the meter contol valve
call Transco on the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999
in the case of suspected carbon monoxide leakage, follow the above procedure, except where you are able to identify the specific
appliance at fault. In this case you should consult a CORGI-registered installer to investigate and make repairs.
Further Information
Contact the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363 or check out the HSE's Gas Safety Website www.hse.gov.uk/gas/index.htm