Changes in Law Relating to Gas Safety

 

Information for Landlords and Home Owners

From 1st April 2009 the Gas Safe Register will replace Corgi. By law, anyone carrying out gas work in your property must be on the Gas Safe Register www.gassaferegister.co.uk
 
When the engineer visits your home always ask to see their Gas Safe Register identification card which contains a distinguishing yellow triangle. It is not sufficient if the engineer shows Corgi registration as Corgi will no longer be recognised by law. You can carry out further checks by searching online and typing in their I.D number at www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help/check_an_engineer.aspx or by telephoning 0800 408 5500.
 
The Gas Safe Register is run by a division of Capita Group PLC based in Basingstoke. Their aim is to improve gas safety by having the Gas Safe Register, a register of 120,000 engineers who have had their gas work inspected and are deemed competent and safe. Using a registered engineer ensures a generally higher standard of work and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, explosions and fires.
 
The law applies to gas works in homes as well as certain commercial premises.
 
Information for Landlords
 
If you are a landlord you must be aware of the law as you have a legal responsibility to your tenants. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 you must:
 
  • Arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer who should supply you with the Gas Safety Certificate.
  • Give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the check being carried out or before the tenant moves in.
  • Keep details of all gas safety checks for a period of 2 years.
  • Show your tenants how they can turn off the gas supply in the event of a leak.
  • Ensure all gas equipment (including any appliance left by a former tenant) is safe or otherwise removed before re-letting.
  • Make sure that any contract with a managing agent clearly specifies who is to make the arrangements and keep records for the gas safety check. However, remember that you as the landlord remain ultimately responsible for ensuring these duties are met.
 
For further information on this or any other landlord and tenant enquiry please email James Harvey at james.harvey@neves-solicitors.co.uk or give him a call on 01908 304560
 
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.