Tessa's Ten Top Tips for tenants on gas safety
- Be aware that under the Gas Safety Regulations, your landlord must provide you with a gas certificate from an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register, both when you first go into a property and annually thereafter.
- For holiday lets where the occupancy is under 28 days, a copy of the certificate should be posted in a prominent position in the premises.
- You landlord (or his agent) must deal with this himself, he is not allowed to delegate it to you.
- If your landlord or his agent fails to provide the gas safety certificate, you should contact your local Heath and Safety Executive, who are responsible for enforcing the Gas Safety regulations.
- The following are danger signals:
- the colour of the flame changing to a smoky yellow
- black soot deposits around gas appliances
- cracks in the cement blocks found in older fires and mobile heaters - Make sure that there are no problems with ventilation. For example blocked flues or air-bricks can allow a build up of carbon monoxide in the air, which is dangerous.
- It is imporant that vulnerable pipes are protected, to prevent gas leaks
- If you suspect that there might be a gas leak, call Transco on 0800 111999
- If you suspect that the work done by an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register is sub standard, speak to the Gas Safe Register - you will find details on their web-site www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
- Always co-operate with your landlord when he contacts you to arrange an appointment for the annual gas inspection. Remember it is for your protection.
Notes:
Members can read FAQ and articles on all the points covered here.
