Landlords guide to gas safety for tenants in the UK | Multi-Trade

A guide for landlords. If you're thinking of renting out your property there are a few legal things you have to take care of if you have a gas boiler. The Health and Safety Executive sets down the guidelines for, among other things, Gas Safety in the UK. If you are a landlord and rent property to third parties in the UK, you are legally responsible for the safety of your tenants in relation to gas safety.

To comply with gas safety, by law you must:

• ensure gas pipework, flues and appliances are in a in safe condition and if neccessary, repair
• ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue
• keep a record of each safety check
• keep your tenants informed about their responsibilities while they are residing in your property

What has to be recorded?

As a minimum, the record of a gas safety check must contain:

• a description of and location of each appliance or flue that has been checked
• the name, registration number and signature of the engineer performing the check
• the date that the appliance or flue was checked
• the address of the property at which the appliance or flue is installed
• the name and address of the landlord (or his agent where appropriate)
• any defect identified and any remedial action taken
• a statement confirming that the safety check completed complies with the requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

What information do I need to give my tenants?

You must issue the latest gas safety check record to:

• existing tenants within 28 days of the gas safety check record being completed
• to new tenants before they move in
• You must keep the records for 2 years

Flues in voids and gas safety certificates

The flue takes fumes away from the boiler. Inspecting the flue is an essential part of the gas safety certifcate. So, if you have a boiler in your rented property where all, or part of, the flue cannot be seen as of 1 January 2013, you will not be able to get a gas safety certificate issued to state that it is safe. You will be required to install an inspection hatch into your flue.

Multi-trade can provide you with a free quotation for installing a flue hatch.

Further information on gas safety responsibilities for landlords

For more information, go straight to the horses mouth at the Health & Safety Executive. Gas safety for landlord's. Here you will find in depth information on your responsibilities asa landlord.