Unsafe gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly with no warning, as you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it. 

Landlords must meet their legal obligations to keep their tenants safe by ensuring:

• Gas pipework, appliances and flues are maintained in a safe condition
• Gas appliances and flues are checked annually for safety. (Gas Safe has a free email/text reminder so you never forget when a check is due at StayGasSafe.co.uk)
• They carry out checks to ensure carbon monoxide alarms are functioning on the day that a new tenancy starts
• A copy of the Gas Safety Record is given to the tenant within 28 days of completing the check or to any new tenant before they move in
• They keep a copy of the Gas Safety Record until two further checks have taken place
• The maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Always check the engineer’s ID card which outlines what gas work they are qualified to undertake
• If any gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) is unsafe it must be removed immediately before re-letting a property
• There is a carbon monoxide alarm in every habitable room which contains gas appliances (excluding those used for cooking purposes)
• Ensure that all carbon monoxide alarms comply with British Standard EN 50291 and carry a British or European approval mark. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about fitting and testing the alarm to ensure that the unit and batteries are in good condition 

Further checks to stay gas safe include:

• Being aware of any warning signs that gas appliances are not working correctly, these include lazy yellow/orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, excess condensation, pilot lights which frequently blow out and/or error messages on the appliance control panel
• Checking that vents or flues are not blocked
• Knowing the main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness
• Never DIY on a gas appliance and ensure that, if drilling or hammering, there is no risk of hitting a gas pipe

Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if an appliance is not working correctly or you think there is something wrong with it. You can find one at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500 for gas safety advice and to find or check an engineer.

Further information

Contact Sapna Fraser

For more advice contact Savills Residential Lettings