What landlords should know

The week of the 14th-20th September is the tenth Gas Safety Week coordinated by the Gas Safe Register.

Landlords of rented residential accommodation are responsible for safety on lettings by ensuring an annual gas check is carried out on gas appliances which they provide (and all related gas flues). This must be performed by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, and once done retain a copy of the CP12 Safety Certificate.

Top 10 tips to gas safety

As part of the awareness week, Gas Safety Register has also published the following ten top tips to keep in mind when it comes to gas safety.

• Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your appliances.
• Check both sides of your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card.
• Have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year.
• Know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.
• Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
• Keep vents and chimneys clear.
• Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose.
• Know the emergency procedure. If you smell gas or suspect immediate danger, make sure you familiarise yourself with the emergency procedure and contact the relevant number for your UK region.
• Spread the word. Share vital gas safety information with friends, family and neighbours to make sure your community stays safe. 

To learn more, visit the Gas Safety Week website

As a letting agent, we can take the stress out of remembering to get a new certificate – contact us for details.