As a responsible landlord in Medway, I’m sure the safety of your tenants is your top priority.
One very important aspect of maintaining a safe rental property in Medway is carrying out regular Gas Safety checks. This helps to identify any potential gas-related safety issues. This page provides essential information about Landlord Gas Safety checks.
What is a Landlord Gas Safety Check?
A landlord gas safety check, also known as a Gas Safety inspection or gas certificate, is a legal requirement for landlords in England and Wales. It involves an examination of all gas appliances, flues, and pipework within a rental property. The purpose of this inspection is to assess the safety and functionality of these components to minimise the risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other potential hazards.
Why are Landlord Gas Safety Checks Important?
First and foremost, Tenant Safety. Carbon Monoxide poisoning symptoms are very similar to cold and flu symptoms. Headache, body aches and pains, lethargy etc. Many people assume they have a cold, take painkillers, turn the heating up and go to bed. At best this can make the tenant very poorly and cause long-lasting side effects. At worst it can be fatal.
Landlords in England and Wales have a legal obligation to arrange annual Gas Safety checks and provide tenants with a valid Gas Safety record. Landlords who fail to comply with the regulations could face unlimited fines and/or 6 months imprisonment.
To give you peace of mind That your property is safe for your tenants to live in, and to demonstrate your commitment to being a good landlord.
What Does a Landlord Gas Safety Check Involve?
One of our professional Gas Safe Registered engineers will check all gas appliances at the property, to ensure that they are fitted correctly and according to manufacturer installation instructions.
The engineer will inspect any flues and ventilation, to ensure there are no obstructions which would stop combustion gases from being dispersed safely.
They will inspect and test any gas pipework, to ensure it is fit for purpose, is gas-tight and is installed correctly.
They will then carry out a combustion analysis to confirm that the appliance is burning safely and efficiently, and is not producing high levels of harmful gases.
Check the carbon monoxide alarm, to ensure it is working and has not expired.
We will then electronically issue a Landlord gas safety record, listing the appliances at the property, any tests carried out and any recommendations the engineer feels are appropriate.
The details will then be added to our database, and a reminder email will be sent to you at least 3 weeks before the next inspection is due.
Good practice
Aside from a landlord’s legal requirements, it is always a good idea to educate your tenants about gas safety measures, like how to recognise the signs of a gas escape and what measures to take. Or how to operate all the gas appliances safely, regularly test any carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and report any issues promptly.
I hope you find this information helpful. As always, if you have any questions, or to book a gas safety check, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.
