Gas safety certificates and checks

Every year around 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health.

Legislation

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 specifically deal with the installation, maintenance and use of gas appliances, fittings and flues in domestic and certain commercial premises. They place duties on landlords to ensure that gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants’ use are safe.

What are my main duties as a landlord? You are required to:

• Ensure gas fittings and flues are 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 installer.



• Ensure an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance/flue. Before any new tenancy commences, you must make sure that these checks have been carried out within one year before the start of the tenancy, unless the appliances in the property have been installed for less than 12 months, in which case they should be checked within 12 months of their installation date. All gas appliances, pipe work that leads to the appliances and flues from the appliances must be checked to assess whether or not the system and appliances are safe and meet current standards. A check on the meter should also be made to ensure there is no escape of gas.



• Have all installation, maintenance and safety checks carried out by a GAS SAFE registered 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 completed, or to any new tenant before they move in (in certain cases there is an option to display the record).

What happens if I don’t maintain my tenants’ gas appliances?

Failure to do so puts your tenants at significant risk. Not only that, you risk being prosecuted, and this could result in you facing a maximum penalty of £5000 for each offence. If the case is then referred to the Crown Court the maximum penalty may be an unlimited fine and the possibility of imprisonment.

How do I organise a gas safety inspection before my new tenant moves in?

Your negotiator will take some details from you and then organise the inspection on your behalf. The certificate will be kept on file and we will send you a copy in the post for your records.

Is there any legislation surrounding carbon monoxide?

Whilst law does not require carbon monoxide detectors to be fitted at the property, various detectors are available and can be easily fitted in the property.

I’ve let my property out with another estate agent. Can Morgan Randall still organise a gas safety for me?

Yes, we require some information from you and we can use one of our many GAS SAFE registered contractors to carry out the inspection and issue a certificate to you and your tenants.

What does the certificate look like?

Please see below. Certificates do vary however the key area to check is the GAS SAFE registration number. If you want to verify the contractor is CORGI registered simply input their registration number on the following website www.gassaferegister.co.uk

What action do I take in the event of a gas escape?

If you smell gas, or suspect there is a gas escape, you should immediately do the following:

• Open all doors and windows.
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is) and call Transco on the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999.

How much does it cost?

To keep prices simple and transparent, the cost remains fixed irrespective of whether you’ve used Morgan Randall to find you a tenant. The gas safety will cost £99+VAT.

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