Property News Archive

Gas Safety

Investors who have residential property in their portfolio are urged to ensure that they stick to the letter of the law when it comes to their responsibilities under gas safety.

Even if the property in question is managed by an agent, it is the landlord who bears the legal onus for ensuring that all checks and maintenance work are carried out.

The reminder follows the death of a young girl from carbon monoxide poisoning and the subsequent conviction of the landlord.

A list of responsibilities can be found in the Gas Safety Regulations 1998. Landlords can also check out their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

All maintenance checks, including annual safety checks, must be done by a competent CORGI-registered gas installer (www.trustcorgi.com or phone 0800 915 0485).

There is also an HSE gas safety advice line to call (0800 300 363).

The landlord's responsibilities include ensuring gas fittings and flues are maintained safely, and that gas safety checks are carried out annually on boilers and all other gas devices.

All tenants must be issued with a copy of the annual gas safety check certificate within 28 days of completion. Landlords should also keep their own records for at least two years.

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