Gas Safety and the Landlord. Simply.

What are my duties as a landlord in relation to gas safety ?

You have a duty under the Gas Safety Regulations 1998  to have all gas appliances, whether fixed or mobile, pipework and ventilation (such as flues) checked every 12 months to make sure they are safe. If you employ a managing agent to manage your property for you and they have said they will organise this, make sure they do, because you are still legally responsible for making sure these checks are carried out. Ensure either you or the agent carries a record of the safety check for 2 years. You should also ensure that tenants have all the information they need: for example, instruction manuals for appliances.

Do I have to use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer ?

The work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can check they are registered by going to the Gas Safe Register website or calling the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 and they should be able to show you a current id card, which includes information on the work they are authorised to undertake. The engineer should give you a landlord’s annual safety certificate, and you need to give a copy to the tenant within 28 days after the check is carried out, and to any new tenants before they move in.

Can a room containing a gas appliance still be used as a bedroom ?

You should also be aware that there are restrictions on the use of gas appliances, such as heaters, in any room used as a bedroom. If there are gas appliances in any bedroom, you should consider replacing them, or take advice to check that they are allowed. Since 31st October 1998, any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should NOT contain the following types of gas appliances:

• A gas fire, gas space heater or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) over 14 kilowatts gross input, unless it is room sealed.
• A gas fire, gas space heater, or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) of 14 kW gross input or less or any instantaneous water heater unless it is room sealed or has an an atmosphere sensing device.

If a room contains one or more of the above appliances and was used as a bedroom prior to 1998 then you will need to assess whether it can still be used as a bedroom. If you are unsure of the safety of any gas appliance you should get a Gas Safe Registered engineer to check it for you.

How much will a landlord's gas safety check cost ? 

The cost will vary and depend on the number of appliances checked, but typically as a Chichester Letting Agent we find that with the people we use, prices will start at £45 and may range up to £100. 

At Affirmed Choice Letting, the Chichester Letting Agent, we are passionate about the principles of personal customer care, and our guarantee is to provide a unique 'Peace Of Mind' property management service to tenants and landlords. Click here to find out how we help landlords to protect their investment.