Gas Safety Week 2021: Everything landlords need to know
The week of the 13-19th September is the eleventh Gas Safety Week, an annual week coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, with landlords being reminded of their gas safety obligations.
Landlords are responsible for making sure all gas appliances, including the installation of pipe or flues, are maintained in a safe condition throughout the entire time the property is occupied.
Landlords of rented residential accommodation must have an annual gas safety check carried out on gas appliances which they provide (and all related gas flues). This work must be performed by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, and once the check has been performed the landlord will receive a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (or CP12 as it is often referred to) from the engineer.
Failure to comply with these requirements may mean a property may not be safe to live in, and is also a criminal offence. For these reasons it is essential to ensure the property is gas safe.
Landlords are legally obliged to make sure:
- Gas pipework, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition.
- All gas appliances and flues provided for tenants’ use have an annual safety check. Your tenants can report you to the HSE if you don’t provide one, so it’s important to remember! You can set a free email and/or text reminder so you don’t forget, visit StayGasSafe.co.uk.
- A Gas Safety Record is provided to the tenant within 28 days of completing the check or to any new tenant before they move in.
- You keep a copy of the Gas Safety Record until at least two further checks have taken place.
- Maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
- All gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) is safe or otherwise removed before re-letting.
Gas safety in the home
As part of the annual awareness week, Gas Safety Register has also published the following ten top tips to keep in mind when it comes to gas safety in the home.
- Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your appliances. You can find and check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
- Check both sides of your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card. Make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. You can find this information on the back of the card.
- Have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year. If you rent your home ask for a copy of the landlord’s current Gas Safety Record.
- Know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.
- Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
- Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear. Make sure you don't block any vents, as they are vital to ensure gas appliances burn properly, and chimneys need to be cleaned and checked regularly.
- Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose. Don't be tempted to use them for something they weren't meant for (e.g using a gas cooker to heat a room).
- Know the emergency procedure. If you smell gas or suspect immediate danger, make sure you familiarise yourself with the emergency procedure and contact the relevant number for your UK region.
- Spread the word. Share vital gas safety information with friends, family and neighbours to make sure your community stays safe.
Gas Safety resources for landlords
The NRLA has plenty of useful resources for landlords to learn more about their gas safety responsibilities. This includes a detailed guide for members.
On Tuesday 21st September, the NRLA will also be running an eClassroom course on Utilities Safety, covering gas safety. Our eLearning courses, Landlords Fundamentals and Property Standards and Safety also touch upon landlords' gas safety responsibilities.
To learn more about Gas Safety Week, visit the Gas Safety Week website where you can pledge your support, get campaign materials, and benefit from lots of other free advice.
Keep up to date with Gas Safe Register’s advice throughout the week by following @GasSafeRegister on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and search the official hashtag #GSW21
