Gas Safety for Landlords

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98) aim to prevent injury from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fire and explosion. The Regulations place responsibilities on a wide range of people, including landlords.

For the purpose of these Regulations, a landlord is anyone who rents out a property that they own under a lease of less than 7 years or under a licence. Be aware, however, that regardless of whether or not you are a landlord under these Regulations, you may be considered a landlord under other related legislation.

Landlords duties under GS(IU)R 98 apply to a wide range of accommodation occupied under a lease or licence, which includes (although not exclusively):

• residential premises provided for rent by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, housing co-operatives, hostels
• rooms let in bed-sit accommodation, private households, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels
• rented holiday accommodation such as chalets, cottages, flats, caravans and narrow boats on inland waterways.

Under these Regulations, landlords are legally required to ensure that:

• pipework, appliances and flues which they own and have provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition
• an annual safety check is carried out every twelve months on each gas appliance and/ or flue they have provided for tenants’ use
• all installation, maintenance and safety checks on gas equipment they own and provide for tenants use are carried out by a CORGI registered installer with the relevant specialist knowledge for the job in hand.
• a record of each safety check is kept for two years
• a copy of any safety check is issued to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and to any new tenants before they move in.

Between tenancies, you are legally required to ensure that all gas equipment – including any appliances left by the tenant – is safe and has an up to date landlord's gas safety certificate (a copy of which needs to be given to the new tenant) or otherwise removed before you re-let the property. It is also considered good practice to arrange for the pipe work to be inspected and tested for soundness.

Be aware that CORGI registration does not automatically cover all areas of gas work most installers specialise. As such, you need to check that the CORGI-registered installer is competent to work in that specific area of gas. This is clearly marked on the back of the installer’s CORGI registration card. If you are in any doubt, contact CORGI or check their website to see if the installer is registered.

Source: Health and Safety Executive

For further information about the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, you can look on the Health and Safety Executive’s website. For a competitive quote on your buy to let property insurance, contact your chosen Cherrypicked Insurance broker

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