Landlords urged to remember their gas safety responsibilities

It’s Gas Safety Week, and landlords across the country are being reminded of their responsibilities to their tenants.

Ryan Green, Head of Savills Harpenden Lettings, says: “All landlords should know the importance of gas safety; they need to comply with the law and keep their tenants safe by reducing risk in their rental properties.

“This is important for homeowners, too – when did you last have your gas appliances serviced or checked for safety?

“Unsafe and/or poorly maintained gas appliances can lead to devastating results from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.”

Ryan recommends regular servicing and annual safety checks of gas appliances from a Gas Safe registered engineer, the installation of carbon monoxide monitors and awareness of the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Gas Safety Week lasts until Sunday, and Carole Charge, technical and compliance director at property specialist Leaders, agreed that the issue is vitally important.

She said: “Gas safety is a serious issue and failure to tackle it appropriately can lead to disastrous consequences.

“The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 state it is the responsibility of the landlord to protect their tenants when it comes to ensuring gas appliances, fittings and chimneys or flues are safe.

“It is not all about simply maintaining gas supplies and appliances and carrying out repairs when required.

“Landlords must also have an annual gas safety inspection carried out in their properties and provide a record of all gas safety checks to their tenants within 28 days, or to new tenants upon the start of a tenancy.”