The legal requirement
Landlords must make sure that gas appliances, fittings and flues they provide are maintained in a safe condition, and that each appliance and flue is checked for safety every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
The rules apply across England, Wales and Scotland, with equivalent regulations in Northern Ireland. Letting agents may handle the arrangements, but responsibility normally stays with the landlord.
What's checked
During the check, the engineer will typically:
- Check gas appliances are burning correctly and working safely
- Check flues and chimneys are clear and working
- Check ventilation is adequate
- Test safety devices
- Check gas pressure and look for leaks
- Record the results, including any defects and action taken
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Records and timings
You must keep a record of each check and give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in. Records should be kept for at least two years.
You can have the check carried out up to two months before the deadline and still keep the original anniversary date, which makes scheduling easier.
Carbon monoxide alarms
Rules on carbon monoxide alarms in rented homes have been tightened in recent years. In England, landlords must fit an alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler (gas cookers are excluded). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own requirements, so check the rules where your property is.
