landlord certificates

Did you know that your rented property should have a gas safety check at least once a year, and that it’s your landlord’s responsibility to arrange it? Many UK tenants are unaware of this and many other need-to-know basics when renting their property. With Complheat, we can help you understand what to expect from your landlord and what responsibilities you both share to ensure you’re gas safe compliant.

By law, it is a landlord’s responsibility to guarantee that your property is gas safe. No matter how long your tenancy agreement is, it is mandatory for your landlord to maintain all pipework, appliances and flues provided, and make sure they are in a safe working condition.

According to the Gas Safety Register, in order to be gas safe compliant ,your landlord must provide you with a record of the annual gas safety check within 28 days of the check being completed, or if you’re a new tenant, before you move in. If a property or room is hired out for less than 28 days at a time, it is also permissible for your landlord to display a copy of the current Landlords Gas Safety Record in a prominent position within the property. Your landlord is also in charge of carrying out a 12 monthly gas safety check on each gas appliance/flue. A thorough gas safety check will make sure gas fittings and appliances are safe to use, but what is a gas safety check?

A gas safety check involves a Gas Safe Registered engineer inspecting your gas appliances. They will check the appliance is working correctly, on the right setting and burning properly with the correct operating pressure. Annual gas safety checks are required because a faulty gas appliance, blocked flue or incorrect fitting can lead to leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which are dangerous, terrifying and life threatening. Appliances and gas fittings will be inspected and tested ensuring that they are safe to use.

A gas safety check should only be performed by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, which can be verified by asking him or her for their registered ID card. You can also check our blog for extra guidance on Gas Safe Registered engineers here: Is your Gas Engineer Legitimate?. When the qualified engineer performs the gas safety check, they will record the details of the inspection carried out, this includes a list all of the appliances and gas fittings checked meticulously. You should receive a copy of the previous inspection within 28 days of moving in to your new home. If your landlord refuses to provide you with this information you can notify the Health and Safety Executive. Do not be fobbed off by future promises of a check, it is your landlord’s legal responsibility to be gas safe compliant and ensure the health and safety of all of their tenants.