In relation to domestic gas under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98), a tenant is anyone who occupies a property under a lease that is shorter than 7 years or under a licence . Regardless of whether GSIUR 98 applies you may be considered a tenant under other related legislation.
Your landlord has duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to arrange maintenance by a CORGI-registered installer for all pipework, appliances and flues, which they own and have provided for your use. Your landlord must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a CORGI- registered installer. They must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and i ssue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.
Remind your landlord of their legal duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 . If your landlord still refuses to arrange servicing for the appliances they have provided contact your local HSE Area Office.
Remind your landlord of their legal duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to keep a record of the safety check for 2 years. They must also i ssue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenant before they move in. You may wish to write to your landlord requesting sight of the safety check record (see below specimen letter). If they still refuse to provide you with a copy contact your local HSE Area Office.
Specimen letter requesting a gas safety check or sight of the safety check record:
(Your address)
(Landlord's name)
(Landlord's address)
(date)
Dear (Landlord's name)
RE: (Address of Property being let)
As you are aware, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place duties on landlords. One of those duties is making sure that gas appliances and flues they own in the property which they let, are maintained in good order and checked for safety at least every twelve months. Landlords must also keep a record of the safety checks and issue these to their tenants.
Unfortunately to date, I have not been shown a copy of the safety check record carried out at the above property, which I now rent. Therefore I would be grateful if you could show me a copy of the safety check record for the above property within the next 10 days.
Yours sincerely
(Your name)
HSE strongly recommends the use of CO alarms as one useful precaution to give advance warning of CO in the property. Importantly alarms should not be regarded as a replacement for regular maintenance and safety checks by a CORGI-registered installer. CO alarms cost between £20-£30 and can be purchased in most hardware shops. If your landlord has not provided you with a CO alarm then HSE strongly recommends you invest in one your self. They are portable and so can be taken to any future properties with you. Before purchasing a CO alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. CO alarms should be installed and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Yes. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that landlords must only use a CORGI-registeredinstaller for maintenance and safety checks on gas equipment they own and provide for tenants use in domestic premises. HSE advises that you check that the CORGI- registered installer is competent to work in that specific area of gas. This is clearly marked on the back of the installer’s CORGI registration card. If in any doubt, you can ring CORGI or check their website to see if the installer is registered. Further information is provided under our registration body page.
If a gas appliance has been switched off by a CORGI-registered installer it is because it was unsafe and should not be used. No matter how inconvenient the situation is such action helps to ensure your safety. If a heating appliance has been disconnected then your landlord must provide you with emergency heating, for more information on this contact your local authority whilst arranging for appropriate remedial work by a CORGI registered installer.
If you have provided an appliance for your own use then you are responsible to arrange its maintenance by a CORGI-registered installer. Your landlord does still have responsibilities for parts of the installation and pipework.
There are some good practice measures that you could adopt for appliances that you own:
Advice numbers to call include:
Shelterline is Britain's first 24 hour, free, national housing helpline. It provides advice to anyone with a housing problem. Its Advisers will tell you your rights, explain your options and help you to take action. If appropriate you may also be asked to contact your local Shelter housing aid centre. Further advice is also available by logging on to www.shelternet.org.uk
Yes. So long as the electronic copy is:
A landlord, or gas installer with the landlord’s agreement, may send or give a copy of the electronic record directly to you, providing you are happy with this arrangement and have the ability to access it.
Since 31 October 1998, any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should not contain the following types of gas appliances:
If a room contains one or more of the above appliances and was used as a bedroom prior to 1998 your landlord will need to do a risk assessment to determine if it can still be used as a bedroom. If you are unsure of the safety of any gas appliance you should arrange with your landlord for a CORGI-registered installer to check it.
Landlord duties for LPG appliances are the same as for natural gas. The landlord must arrange for maintenance by a CORGI-registered installer for all LPG appliances which they own and provide for tenants and have a CORGI-registered installer carry out a safety check at least once every 12 months.
In addition to maintenance, there are some further safety precautions to take with LPG heaters:
You should allow access to the property to enable the gas maintenance visits and safety check to be undertaken, as it helps to keep you and your family safe. If you fail to provide access then there are further steps your landlord can take to gain access for the gas maintenance visits and safety check to be undertaken.
It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a CORGI-registered installer.
Free leaflets explaining some of the main requirements of landlords, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and general gas safety information are available from HSE.
HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering advice on gas safety that is open 8am-8pm Monday- Friday and 10am-4pm on a Saturday. To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.