Timely annual reminder could be a tenant life-saver

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Gas Safety Week starts today by reminding landlords of their responsibilities when protecting and educating tenants.

The national safety campaign is now in its 13th year and promotes awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

This year, the week focuses on celebrating gas engineers and the essential role they play in keeping the nation gas-safe. It is coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.  

Legal obligation

Landlords must make sure maintenance and annual safety checks on gas appliances are carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, reminds the campaign, and that they are legally obliged to make sure gas pipework, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition.

Landlords can get a free email and/or text reminder about the annual safety check by visiting StayGasSafe.co.uk. All gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) also needs to be safe or otherwise removed before re-letting.

ID check

Engineers must be qualified to carry out the work, and their details can be found on the Gas Safe Register website or by checking the back of their Gas Safe ID card. Landlords should also encourage tenants to check the card when the engineer arrives at their property, and to be aware of any warning signs that their gas appliance is working incorrectly, such as dark or sooty staining, excess condensation, pilot lights which frequently blow out as well as error messages on the appliance’s control panel.

For more information and to find or check an engineer, visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk. Find more information about gas safety certificates at Total Landlord Insurance.

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