Gas Safety Inspections: What Are They And Why Are They Needed?
It is legally your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that none of the gas appliances in your rental home are dangerous or a risk to the tenants.
Gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning are all possible and may be fatal outcomes of improperly fitted and maintained gas appliances and systems.
What does the law state about Gas Safety Regulation?
According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must keep gas appliances, piping, and flues in safe working order as part of their legal requirement. As a result, you must have a gas safety inspection performed every year and get a gas safety certificate certifying that the required standards have been accomplished.
Similar to a car MOT, there is some flexibility in scheduling the annual gas safety check to ensure all appliances are safe. It can be performed up to two months before the current landlord gas safety certificate expires, and you will not ‘lose’ any of the 12-month validity term. For instance, if your landlord gas safety certificate expires on August 11th, you might schedule your check as early as June 12th, and the certificate will expire on August 11th of the following year.
Who is Responsible for the Gas Safety Check?
You cannot hire a gas engineer to work on any household gas equipment unless they are listed on the Gas Safe Register.
All licensed engineers carry a Gas Safe ID card, allowing you to see what type of work they’re authorised to conduct and whether their licenses are valid. However, some use a fake ID, so conduct an independent check using https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/.
What exactly is involved in a gas safety inspection?
The Gas Safe engineer will inspect all gas appliances and systems, which includes the cooker, hob, boiler and radiators. This annual gas safety inspection is not a service and therefore does not cover repairs.
Here are some of the important aspects of a regular gas safety check include:
- A regular gas safety visual inspection of gas appliances, gas heating systems, and boiler flue systems is essential for compliance.
- A tightness testing at the gas meter to ensure no leaks.
- Testing the ventilation and air supply.
- Testing the burner pressure and gas rate.
- Ensure that safe electronic devices work.
- Inspecting the pressure vessel inside the boiler.
Once the engineer decides that repairs are required, they should be performed as soon as possible. If there is a serious risk to your renters, the gas safe registered engineer will request your permission to turn off the gas supply for safety reasons.
What documents should I expect to receive?
The engineer will issue a Gas Safety Certificate. This gas safety record describes each appliance in detail, including any issues and necessary actions for compliance.
What should I do with the gas safety certificate?
It is required that the original certificate stay organised for a minimum of two years, and it is advised that you keep all certificates associated with a tenancy until the conclusion. A copy of the current gas safety record must be provided to new tenants before they move in, and to existing tenants within 28 days following the check.
Get in touch with us today!
We will schedule an annual gas check and any required repairs if we manage your rental. But if you have any questions, or if you currently self-manage and want to explore our management services, please contact Western Lettings Glasgow.
