15 Gas Safety Hacks: A Cheat Sheet for Landlords In The UK

Landlords Attention! Do you have a valid CP12 certificate for your rental property? Being a property owner is not just about getting rent; prioritizing the gas safety of your tenants is also your responsibilit.

As a property owner, you must ensure that your tenants are safe from all hazards, especially those you're legally responsible for, such as gas safety. Landlords are required by the law to maintain the safety of gas appliances installed in their rental property by obtaining a valid gas safety certificate.

What is a CP12, and Why Should Landlords Get It?

A CP12 certificate also known as the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate, is obtained after a qualified and certified Gas Safe Engineer checks all gas appliances in your rental property. The engineer will check whether each appliance is installed correctly, working properly, and safe to be used. Once that's done, you will be issued the gas certificate.

Additionally, a gas safety certificate is only valid for a year, so you must get a gas safety check every 12 months. Moreover, you must get a check when you install a new appliance.

But what if you don't have a valid gas safety certificate? Or what if it's expired? Don't let your property become a danger zone! Instead, get a valid certificate to avoid legal repercussions, including heavy fines and jail time.

Therefore, the first step for every landlord is to ensure the gas safety of their tenants by obtaining a valid gas certificate. What other measures can landlords take to guarantee the well-being of their residents? We've put together a list of gas safety hacks that can prove helpful.

By following these simple tips that landlords can use to keep their tenants safe, prevent mishaps, and keep their property compliant:

1. Make sure you have a valid Gas Safety Certificate – Obtain a gas certificate every 12 months after scheduling a gas inspection by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Moreover, maintain a record of your Gas Safety Certificates and provide a copy to your tenants.
2. When installing or using gas appliances on your property, ensure you and your tenants follow the Gas Safety Regulations 1998..
3. Ensure all gas appliances on your property are regularly serviced and maintained per the manufacturer's instructions. Appliances that are routinely serviced are less likely to malfunction. Moreover, regular maintenance increases their efficiency and longevity. We recommend getting your gas appliances, such as stoves and boilers, serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician/engineer.
4. Take immediate action to resolve gas-related problems - If you think an appliance is not working correctly or suspect a gas leakage, don't hesitate to get it checked out at once.
5. Install carbon monoxide alarms in every room where there's a gas appliance. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. The alarms will sound if there's a build-up of carbon monoxide in the room, which could be dangerous for tenants. It will give you or your tenants enough time to get out of the property and seek medical help. In addition, test the CO alarms regularly to make sure they are working as desired.
6. Carry out regular visual checks of all gas appliances and pipework on your property, looking for any signs of damage or leakage. Ensure that everything is working correctly and there is adequate ventilation. Finally, test the pressure relief valves on boilers to make sure they are in order.
7. Do not allow anyone to use an unvented gas applianceon your property unless they are qualified to do so.
8. Avoid using portable gas heaters indoors.Portable gas heaters can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate within the room, which is poisonous. However, if the tenants are using a portable heater, make sure to install a ventilation system.
9. If you have a coal fire on your property, get it swept regularly by a qualified chimney sweep. Getting all chimneys and flues cleaned before winter starts is also mandatory to prevent fires and explosions caused by blockages.
10. All gas appliances need a good supply of fresh air to operate safely; therefore, you must keep all ventilation openings in your property ajar , e.g., the vents for gas appliances, chimneys, extraction fans of a cooker hood, etc.
11. Know where the stopcock/pressure release valve is located on your property. Knowing its location is vital as it can save you from many accidents. You can turn off the gas supply in case of gas leakage or fire emergency. Share the information with your tenants too.
12. Beware of the signs of a gas leak, such as hissing or whistling sounds or the smell of rotten eggs. If you suspect gas is leaking within the property, immediately open all windows and doors, get out of the house, and call the emergency helpline.
13. Explain to your tenants what to do if they suspect a gas leak Tenants should know to open all doors and windows to ventilate the property. Moreover, they should know not to switch on any electrical appliances, lights, or naked flames in case of a gas leak, as it can easily cause an explosion. Tenants should also abstain from smoking or allowing anyone to smoke inside the property during a gas leak. In addition, landlords can create a manual or a chart with these guidelines and share it with the tenants to prevent accidents.
14. It's always worth keeping an up-to-date list of emergency contact numbers handy in case you ever need to report a gas leak or fire at your property. The UK's National Gas Emergency number is 0800 111 999, while the Fire Brigade can be reached on 999. In case of emergency, you may call these numbers, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately or visit the Gas Safety Register website for more information.
15. Lastly, have a good relationship with your gas supplier as it will make things easier for you in resolving any gas-related issues that may arise. For example, the gas provider can offer helpful advice on how best to maintain the safety of your natural gas and LPG installations and tips for preventing future problems..

Conclusion for 15 Gas Safety Hacks: A Cheat Sheet for Landlords in the UK

Are you a landlord in the UK? You must obtain a gas safety certificate for your property every year to guarantee that all gas appliances and fittings are safe to use. While gas is necessary, it is also hazardous, and negligence can lead to CO poisoning and gas explosions.

Therefore, to avoid damages to human life and property, you must ensure the gas safety of your property. The tips mentioned above are a sure-shot way of keeping your commercial or residential property safe!