As a landlord, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants is critical. This includes taking necessary measures to guarantee the safety of gas appliances, fittings, and flues provided within your rental properties. An essential part of fulfilling your responsibility as a landlord is to ensure that all gas appliances undergo annual checks. By prioritising regular gas appliance inspections, you demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe and secure living environment for your tenants.
What Is A Gas Safety Certificate?
A landlord gas safety certificate is an official document that verifies the safety of gas appliances in a property. it confirms that all gas fittings and appliances have been inspected and deemed safe for use by a gas engineer. This requirement is protected in the Gas Safety Regulations 1998.
Who Needs a Gas Safety Certificate?
To comply with legal requirements, landlords are obligated to obtain a gas safety certificate to ensure that all gas appliances and installations within the property meet the necessary safety standards. If landlords fail to comply with these regulations, it can result in severe penalties, legal consequences, and a risk to the tenant’s safety.
Gas Safety Certificates and The Law
Under the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, landlords must arrange annual gas safety inspections and obtain a valid gas safety certificate for all properties that they rent out. This includes:
- Residential properties
- Student accommodation
- Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Landlords’ Responsibility for Gas Safety
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your tenants by carrying out regular gas safety inspections. This involves hiring a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the necessary checks and issue the gas safety certificate. At Hartswood Heating, we have a team of Gas Safe engineers who are proficient in ensuring your property is safe and issuing the certificate.
The Risks of Unsafe Gas Appliances
Unsafe gas appliances pose significant risks to the safety of both the property and the tenant. It can pose three major risks.
- Gas leaks – Gas leaks can lead to fires or explosions in your home. If you can smell gas, it’s important to contact your emergency service provider immediately. During a gas safety check, a qualified Gas Safe engineer will visually inspect the pipework and conduct a tightness test to ensure there are no gas leaks.
- Fires and explosions – Well-functioning appliances burn gas in a controlled manner. However, a faulty appliance or damaged pipework could result in a gas leak which can be ignited and cause a fire or explosion.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning – Carbon monoxide (CO) is extremely toxic. It is odourless, tasteless, and invisible, which is why carbon monoxide is labelled the silent killer. Breathing in carbon monoxide can have fatal consequences.
We also highly recommend checking pipework at the same time as it’s also a legal requirement to maintain the pipework on your property.
Landlord Safety Inspection Costs
We offer a landlord’s gas safety inspection for just £90+VAT (£108) which includes a boiler service and if you have one, a visual inspection and safety check of a gas hob. If there are other appliances, such as a cooker or fire, these will be charged at £60+VAT (£72) each for their safety checks.
Commercial Gas Safety Certificate
If you own a commercial property, such as an office building, restaurant, or retail space, you need a commercial gas safety certificate. This certificate ensures the safety of your employees, customers, and business operations. At Hartswood Heating, our experienced gas engineers are equipped to handle commercial gas safety inspections, providing you with the necessary certification to meet regulatory requirements.
What’s Included in Our Gas Safety Inspection?
Our gas safety inspection covers a comprehensive range of checks to ensure your property meets the highest safety standards. This includes checking id the appliance:
- Proper set-up and adjustment
- Suitability for the room
- Stability and secure fitting
Your engineer will also make sure:
- There is an adequate air supply
- The proper functioning of safety devices
- Flues, chimneys and air vents are functioning correctly
What happens if I fail the gas safety inspection?
If a gas safety inspection identifies any safety issues or concerns, the engineer will provide you with a report outlining the findings. Recommendations for necessary repairs or improvements will also be included. It is essential to address these issues quickly to ensure the safety of your property and comply with regulations.
What if I don’t have a gas safety certificate?
Operating a rental property without a valid gas safety certificate is a breach of legal requirements. It is important to make sure you schedule a gas safety inspection with a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer so that you can get a gas safety certificate as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in penalties, legal consequences, and risks to the safety of your tenants.
What if I don’t comply with gas safety regulations as a landlord?
Failure to comply with gas safety regulations as a landlord can lead to severe consequences. These may include legal penalties, fines, and potential endangerment of your tenants’ safety. As a landlord, it is crucial that you:
- Prioritise gas safety
- Conduct regular inspections
- Obtain valid gas safety certificates
- Address any identified issues promptly
Book a service now
If you have a gas boiler and live outside the BN1, BN2, BN3, BN15, BN41, BN42 and BN43 postcodes, please contact us directly to arrange an appointment.
Why Choose Hartswood Heating
When it comes to gas safety, Hartswood Heating stands out as a trusted and reliable choice for landlords. Here’s why:
- Highly qualified engineers. Our Gas Safe registered engineers have the expertise and experience to perform thorough gas safety inspections and issue valid gas safety certificates.
- Compliance and peace of mind. We ensure that you meet all legal requirements, keeping you compliant with gas safety regulations and providing peace of mind for both you and your tenants.
- Competitive pricing. We offer competitive rates for our professional services, delivering excellent value for your investment.
- Exceptional customer service. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, answering your queries promptly and addressing any concerns you may have.
- Which? Trusted traders. You can be confident that we will give you good, honest advice on the best heating and hot water solutions for your home or business.
Ensure the safety of your property and tenants by scheduling a gas safety inspection with Hartswood Heating today. Contact us now for a quote tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I smell gas on my property?
If you detect the smell of gas, it’s important to take immediate action. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area, avoid using any electrical switches, and leave the property. Contact your emergency service provider or gas supplier as soon as possible.
How often should I have a gas safety inspection?
Gas safety inspections should be conducted annually to meet legal requirements and ensure ongoing safety for your property and tenants.
Can I conduct the gas safety inspection myself?
It’s a legal requirement that gas safety inspections are conducted by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Performing the inspection yourself without the proper qualifications and expertise can result in safety hazards and may lead to legal consequences.
Can I transfer a gas safety certificate to a new tenant?
Unfortunately, a gas safety certificate is specific to the property and the time it was issued. When there is a change in tenancy, it is the responsibility of the landlord to arrange a new gas safety inspection before the tenant moves in.
