Landlords know that they have many safety requirements to comply with when letting property. We are pleased to say we have assisted many Camberwell landlords, and if you require guidance or further advice in this matter, we are more than happy to help.
We know maintaining gas safety in rental property is essential and we are here to assist Camberwell landlords to understand what needs to be in your gas safety record.
The key document to refer to when it comes to gas safety is The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1988. This document describes a landlord’s duties in ensuring gas appliances, flues, chimneys and fittings are safe for use by tenants.
There are three main areas to focus on concerning gas safety:
1. Maintenance of gas appliances and equipment
2. Gas safety checks
3. Maintaining a record of all gas safety issues and work
Maintenance of gas appliances and equipment
It stands to reason that gas appliances, pipes, flues and chimneys must be maintained to a specific standard. Landlords should be aware of the manufacturer’s instructions and service all gas appliances under these recommendations. If there is no guidance from the manufacturer, landlords are advised to undertake an annual servicing.
However, if a landlord is in any doubt, consult with a Gas Safe registered engineer, and they will provide guidance. A professional may recommend a different servicing schedule, and whatever advice you follow, maintain a record of your actions.
If a tenant owns a gas appliance, it is the tenant’s responsibility, not the landlord, but landlords must maintain all connecting flues and pipes.
Gas safety checks
Landlords must be aware that gas flues and appliances need to be checked every year, and the tests must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. As of April 2018, landlords can arrange for a qualified professional to check relevant appliances between 10 and 12 months following a previous check, and this won’t affect the original expiry date of the inspection.
If a safety check is carried out less than ten months after the previous inspection or more than 12 months after the last check, this becomes the new start date for the test. Again, if the tenant owns a gas appliance, the landlord isn’t responsible for carrying out tests on these appliances.
Maintaining a record of all gas safety issues and work
Landlords are required to provide a copy of the annual gas safety check to tenants within 28 days of the test being completed or when the tenant moves into the rental property. When the rental period is scheduled to last less than 28 days, the landlord should display a copy of the record where the tenant will see it.
Landlords are obliged to retain copies of the record for a minimum of two years. Any landlord who has taken advantage of the new regulation regarding flexibility for gas safety checks must maintain these record until two additional gas safety checks have been carried out.
Given that safety is paramount, landlords should inform tenants of how to operate gas appliances and what to do in an emergency.
If you are a Camberwell landlord looking to safeguard your premises and tenants, get help from the experts. At Hunters Camberwell, we are more than happy to provide you with guidance which ensures your rental property is safe and secure.
