With regulations being updated and changed it is important to know what the legal requirements are when renting a property. Below is a guide for the legal responsibilities of landlords in the private rented sector. While the information given is correct at the time of writing please also use other sources to validate your legal requirements.
Gas Safe Inspections and Servicing can only be completed by qualified and registered Gas Safe engineers who either work as sole traders or for a company. Before any gas works or inspections take place it is important that the engineer verifies his Gas Safe registration by showing you his/her Gas Safe Identification. If you have any doubt about the engineers Gas Safe Registration you can verify his registration at: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer/
Landlords are required to ensure that:
During the Gas Safe inspection, the engineer will complete a series of tests. This will include:
The inspector will only inspect readily accessible gas installations and appliances. He/she will not damage or dismantle any parts of the installation or appliances unless previously confirmed and arranged in writing prior to the work being completed.
When/if a fault, defect or breach of the regulations is found a Gas Warning Notice will be issued and the required remedial works will be explained. On occasions when Immediate Danger is present and remedial works can not be completed at the time of the inspection the gas appliance or fault will be made safe by isolating it from the main gas supply, with your permission, until such a time that the required remedial works can take place.
On completion of a satisfactory gas safe inspection and any required remedial works a Gas Safety Certificate will be issued. Once this has been issued the next inspection will be required after a further 12 months, based on the installation staying in full working order with no visible defects.
Failure to maintain tenants gas appliances can lead to loss of life, possible prosecution, fines and imprisonment. For further information about gas safety inspections and the HSEs guidance for landlords please follow the links below: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/media/1418/gas_safety_inspection_factsheet.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg285.pdf