The Landlord Annual Gas Safety Check is not a gas appliance[s] service.
During this exercise, the primary and only focus is to examine and test all gas appliances present in a rental property, including boilers, cookers, and fires [these may be permanently fitted or portable], to confirm these are safe to use and in good working order.
Only a Gas Safe Register Engineer should perform all Gas Safety Checks in the UK.
What type of property should have an Annual Gas Safety Check?
All households in the UK with gas appliances should have an annual Gas Safety Check carried out by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.
The Gas Safety Check is not a Gas Appliance[s] Service – All appliances should be serviced annually [in line with the Gas Safety Check] to confirm these are safe to use and in good working order.
Suppose you have an Annual Gas Appliance Service for cost-effectiveness and ease. In that case, an additional charge will apply to include an Annual Gas Safety Check, which means both services will be in line and completed simultaneously.
Most importantly, you will continue to enjoy a full warranty from the manufacturer; this is particularly important with gas boilers.
If a gas boiler does not get serviced every 12 months, this could void your warranty. In the event of a breakdown, you will not be able to claim for repairs or replacements if necessary. Therefore, leaving you to cover the total cost of an unexpected repair or replacement.
Landlord Annual Gas Safety Checks
In the UK, all Landlords of private properties, B&B’s, housing associations, holiday rentals, hotels, hostels, schools, and colleges are all responsible for ensuring the safety of gas appliances.
Therefore, if you are a Landlord in the UK, you are required by law to instruct an Annual Gas Safety Check performed by a Gas Safe Register Engineer on all gas appliances in your rental properties.
You must also provide evidence to your tenants via the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate. This Certificate will give you peace of mind and legal proof that a Gas Safe Register Engineer has inspected the appliances.
You are only responsible for gas safety checks on appliances, pipework, and flues you have provided. If a tenant chooses to provide their gas appliance [not advisable], Landlords are not liable for this particular appliance safety check. However, you may still be responsible for checking that the pipework and flue are safe and in good working order.
A Landlord Gas Safety Check must be completed every 12 months. Landlords and Letting Agents are required to keep records of the Safety Check for two years.
Existing tenants must be provided with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the official visit/check.
All new tenants must be provided with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate before taking possession of the property.
What is covered in an Annual Gas Safety Check?
A Gas Safety Check consists of the following regulatory steps:
– Check that the appliance[s] is working at the correct operating pressure.
– Check that there is an adequate air supply to the appliance[s] and burn gas correctly.
– Check that chimneys and flues are clear of debris and other obstruction[s] to enable the appliance[s] to emit gases or products of combustion and fumes safely to the outside away from direct contact with your tenants.
Check that all safety devices on the appliance[s] are working correctly, including cut–out devices.
WARNING: If you fail to appoint a Gas Safe Register Engineer to regularly examine and test your rental accommodation gas appliance[s]. This may lead to dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide leaking internally, exposing your tenant’s [s] health, and rendering the property inhabitable.
For more information, follow the UK guidance on carbon monoxide below.
Our Terms and Conditions can be downloaded by clicking here.
