Gas safety installation and use regulations 1994
It is a requirement of the general safety regulations, that all gas appliances in rented accommodation be installed, safely and correctly by a C.O.R.G.I. (Council for registered gas installers) registered contractor. It is a further requirement that all gas appliances be tested annually; this must also be carried out by a C.O.R.G.I. registered contractor.
Prior to the tenancy commencing, legally we will require written evidence (Landlords Gas Safety Certificate) of appliances having been tested within the last 12 months. Should this certificate not be forthcoming, we will automatically arrange for a suitable test to be conducted, the cost of which will be charged to the landlord.
Please remember the maximum penalty for non-compliance with the above regulations is a hefty fine, imprisonment or both.
These Safety Checks include the following as a minimum:-
· the effectiveness of any flue
· the supply of combustion air
· the appliance operating pressure and/or heat output
· The appliance operation so as to ensure its safe functioning.
The gas safety inspection is not a service of any gas appliances but merely a safety check. A full service can be arranged upon request, in addition to the safety check, at an extra cost.
It is also recommended that you have installed a carbon monoxide detector, as a sensible addition to any rented property.
Currently there is no legislation to enforce landlords to obtain regular safety checks on boilers or fires run on solid fuel or oil. However, we would strongly recommend that any such appliances be serviced annually as to maintain a duty of care to your tenants.