Poor gas safety can jeopardise the health of your residential property’s tenants, and it is your job to offer a safe interior environment.
You must repair and maintain gas pipes and appliances as a landlord, perform an annual gas safety check, and keep gas safety records. Installing carbon monoxide detectors and developing an interior air quality management plan are two solid strategies to ensure that a tenant’s health is not jeopardised by gas.
Additional Advice for 2024: Explore the integration of smart carbon monoxide detectors. These devices can provide real-time alerts to both landlords and tenants, enhancing safety through immediate notifications on mobile devices.
The plan should consider the unique requirements of each location, as well as gas supply and appliance inspections. The responsibility should be given to one person who is responsible for identifying issue sites and employees whose activities may have an impact on air quality.
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Annual Gas Safety Check
Landlords must ensure that gas appliances, fittings, and flues provided for a tenant’s usage are safe under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (2004 in Northern Ireland). A Gas Safe Registered Engineer must perform a gas safety inspection within 12 months of installing a new gas appliance or flue, and then every year after that.
During the engineer’s visit, they will:
- Conduct a tightness test at the gas meter to check for leaks
- Test appliance flue gases
- Clean the condense trap
- Check ventilation and air supply
- Verify safety devices are functioning
- Inspect the heating system for defects, including radiators and hot water cylinders
- Check the pressure vessel inside the boiler
- Visually inspect the boiler flue system (including loft space if needed)
- Measure and record the gas rate and burner pressure
- Visually inspect all gas appliances
- Provide a gas safety certificate
It’s important to understand that an annual gas safety check differs from a gas or boiler service. A safety check involves inspection and testing but does not include repairs.
Landlords must preserve safety inspection records for two years and provide a copy to current tenants within 28 days of the inspection. Before moving in, new tenants must receive a copy of the check.
Tip for 2024: Stay informed about any upcoming changes to gas safety regulations, such as adjustments to the requirements for Gas Safety Certificates. Regularly check updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure compliance with the latest standards.
Create a Gas Safety Plan
Ascertain that you will be able to simply amend your plan in the event of any legislation or other changes affecting gas safety. To make a plan that is appropriate for your scenario, follow these guidelines:
- Schedule routine gas appliance, pipe, and filter maintenance with licenced engineers.
- Establish procedures for determining if a gas appliance is dangerous. It is prohibited for anyone to use a gas appliance if they feel it is harmful, and it should be shut off immediately.
- Provide a CO alarm that meets British Standard EN 50291 and is stamped with an approval mark. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter.
The plan you create should take into account the unique requirements of each room, as well as gas supply and appliance inspections.
New Insight for 2024: Modern, energy-efficient appliances may require different ventilation or installation protocols. Ensure that your gas safety inspections consider these factors, and consult with your Gas Safe engineer to ensure your property remains safe under new efficiency standards.
In case of a suspected gas leak…
- Open all doors and windows
- Shut off the gas at the meter control valve
- Call National Grid’s Gas Emergency Freephone number at: 0800 111 999
Working With Tenants
Effective communication with tenants is key to ensuring they understand the importance of gas safety checks and the role they play in maintaining a safe environment.
Here are steps tenants can take to improve gas safety:
- Providing access to the premises for gas maintenance and safety inspections.
- Never close the vents of gas appliances, and keep the flues clear at all times.
- Investigations and repairs on gas appliances can only be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Updated Communication Practices for 2024: Leverage modern communication tools like tenant portals or dedicated property management apps. These can help streamline the process of sharing safety certificates, scheduling checks, and sending reminders, thus improving overall compliance and safety.
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