Landlords are under obligation to ensure all gas systems and appliances in their properties are safe and in working order. This page provides information regarding the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. If you require further information or advice please contact us. What type of property is a landlord duty bound to have regular checks carried out?
Essentially any lease under seven years.

What are my main duties to carry out as a landlord?
You are required to:

• Ensure gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition.
• Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance to the manufacturers instructions (Where not available a service should take place every year unless advised otherwise by a CORGI registered installer).
• Ensure an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance/flue.
• Keep a record of each safety check for 2 years.
• Issue a copy of the latest safety check to existing tenants within 28 days of the check being completed.

Do not assume an annual service inspection meets the requirements of a safety check requirement. Likewise do not assume that a safety check will, on its own be sufficient to provide effective maintenance.

Can I delegate duties to a tenant?
NO. The tenant does have a duty not to use an appliance they believe to be dangerous.

What if an appliance fails the safety check?
The safety check record will contain details of any defect and remedial action taken. It is your responsibility to ensure that any defects are rectified before the appliance is used again. It is an offence to use, or allow to be used an appliance that is known to be unsafe. It is advisable to keep copies of invoices for work done that have rectified the fault.

What happens if a landlord fails to maintain tenants gas appliances? Failure to do so may result in loss of life. Prosecution with a £5000 maximum penalty for each offence. Serious cases could end up with unlimited fines and even imprisonment.