Landlord's guide to gas safety: Everything you need to know
Landlords have to comply with a lot of regulations but gas safety is among the most important. Failure to comply also carries some of the harshest penalties.
In fact, landlords who are found in breach of gas safety regulations can face a fine of £6,000 and up to six months in prison. You could even end up being charged with manslaughter.
Thankfully, there is plenty of guidance out there for you to read up on. You won’t have anything to worry about provided you know the rules and stick to them.
In this guide, we’ll be rounding up everything you need to know to stay on the right side of gas safety regulations and keep your tenants safe.
Where can I find the gas safety regulations in full?
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 apply to any landlords providing a property with a gas appliance or with gas lines connected. Common gas appliances found in most homes include:
- Boiler
- Oven, cooker or gas stove
- Central heating system of any kind
- Gas fireplace or gas heater
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What is a gas safety check and why is it important?
Blocked flues and pipework can lead to the build up of carbon monoxide in your property. Carbon monoxide can’t be smelled or tasted meaning it often goes undetected and can therefore be fatal.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are not always obvious, especially during low-level exposure when symptoms can be similar to those of food poisoning and flu, but without a temperature.
A tension-type headache is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling and being sick
- Tiredness and confusion
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
During a gas safety check, a registered Gas Safe engineer will make sure that your boiler is working properly and that your tenants aren’t at risk. Some of the things they check are:
- That the flame failure safety mechanisms are active
- That gases aren’t escaping
- That the burner pressure and gas rate are within the right range
- That the pipework and flues are clear
- That the brackets holding up the boiler are in good condition
Learn more about gas safety checks.
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What aspects of gas safety are landlords responsible for?
If you’re letting a property with gas appliances in it, you are responsible for:
- Scheduling gas safety checks
- Maintaining a record of Gas Safety Certificates and providing your tenants with copies
- Any other maintenance associated with gas appliances you’ve provided
Scheduling gas safety checks
Any gas appliances that you have supplied need to be checked by a registered Gas Safe engineer at least once a year.
The engineer will check that your appliances, pipework, chimneys and flues are all safe.
You aren’t responsible for the safety of your tenants’ gas appliances.
However, if they connect to the property’s appliances you are responsible for the condition of the connecting flues and pipework.
Maintaining a gas safety record
You will be given a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate after your gas safety check.
A copy of this needs to be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check and given to new tenants at the start of the tenancy.
It’s your responsibility to keep a record of your gas safety checks.
You should hold onto each Gas Safety Certificate for at least two years after it’s been awarded.
