09 February 2012The 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 certain landlords to ensure that all equipment provided for tenants use are safe.
If you rent out any properties you must now make sure that pipe work, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition and subject to an annual safety check carried out only by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
As of 1st April 2009 gas appliances must only be inspected or worked on by installers registered with Gas Safe. Gas Safe has replaced the scheme previously operated by CORGI. The CORGI register is no longer the permit to work on gas appliances, though CORGI will still operate as a brand. All Gas Safe fitters will carry a photo ID card.
For further information and to find a registered contractor visit the Gas Safe website, or call them on 0800 408 5500. Existing certificates issued by CORGI contractors continue to be valid up to their expiry date.
All gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) must be certified as safe or otherwise removed before re-letting. A record of safety checks must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of completing the check, or to each new tenant before they move in. You must also keep a copy of the safety check record for two years.
The Council may ask to see a gas safety certificate when issuing a HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) Licence, or if there are concerns about gas safety in any rented property. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforce gas safety regulations, for further information please click the following link to the gas safety section of the HSE website or phone the Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363.
If you smell gas extinguish naked flames, turn off the gas at the meter, open windows and leave the area. Call the Gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.
