Owner-occupiers
If you are a homeowner, the responsibility for gas safety rests with you. You are strongly advised to have all gas appliances, flues and pipework installed, regularly maintained and serviced at least once every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer
If you are a pensioner, have a disability, long-term health problems or a visual impairment, you may qualify for financial assistance with the cost of maintaining gas appliances. For more information you should contact your energy supplier.
More information and advice about gas safety is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 0800 300 363.
Landlords
If you are letting your property you must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
By law you must make sure:
- pipe work, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained and in a safe condition
- an annual safety check is carried out on each appliance and/or flue that you provide for tenants' use
- maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- all gas equipment (including any appliance left by a previous tenant) is safe or otherwise removed before re-letting
- that if you are using a managing agent, the contract clearly specifies who is responsible for maintenance and safety checks and for keeping records. The landlord maintains overall responsibility for ensuring duties are met, even if a managing agent is employed
- that anyone carrying out work on gas appliances/fittings and/or flues provided for tenants is a Gas Safe registered engineer
You should also:
- keep a record of each safety check for 2 years
- issue a copy of the safety check to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and to any new tenant before they move in
More information about gas safety is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 0800 300 363.