Who needs gas safety checks?
In the UK, landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that all appliances and pipework in their rental properties meet the highest standards of gas safety. This means that they must arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out by a qualified engineer. All private landlords need to make sure that their tenants are safe from the risk of gas poisoning, explosions and fires.
However, it’s not just private landlords who need to be aware of their responsibility for gas safety. Any organisation or individual that owns, lets or manages a property is also legally responsible for ensuring that it meets all relevant gas safety regulations. This includes social landlords, local authorities and letting agents.
What needs to be checked?
During a gas safety check, an engineer will inspect all gas appliances in the property, as well as any associated flues and pipework. The engineer will make sure that the appliances are working safely and efficiently and will check for any dangerous leaks or issues with ventilation. They can also provide advice on energy efficiency, and give information about how to keep appliances in good condition.
The engineer will issue a Gas Safety Certificate, which outlines the safety checks carried out and confirms that all gas appliances are working safely. This certificate must be renewed every 12 months, and landlords must keep a copy of the certificate for every let property for 2 years.
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Get a QuoteWho can do a gas safety check?
Landlords must use a registered Gas Safe engineer to carry out a gas safety check. Registered engineers have been assessed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and are qualified to do this work. Before employing anyone to do work on gas appliances, landlords should always ask to see their registration card and check the Gas Safe Register to make sure that they are registered.
What if the appliance is less than a year old?
In some cases, new appliances may not need to be checked for up to 12 months after installation. This applies if the equipment is less than one year old, has been installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, is working properly and no defects have been identified. However, landlords should still make sure that all their appliances are regularly inspected and tested to make sure that they remain safe to use.
What if there is a lifelong lease in place?
In cases where a landlord has a lifelong lease on a property, they will still be responsible for gas safety checks. It’s important to note that it is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure that the property is safe, regardless of what type of lease is in place. In these cases, the landlord should contact their tenant to arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out by a qualified engineer.
Gas safety checks are essential for keeping tenants safe, and landlords must ensure that all appliances and pipework in their properties meet current regulations. It’s important to remember that it’s a legal requirement for them to arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out annually, and all certificates must be kept for two years. Only qualified engineers who are registered with the Gas Safe Register should be employed to do this work.
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