Gas has been used in almost every property, whether domestic or non-domestic, across the UK for a long. It has emerged as the most popular source of energy and has practically replaced conventional fuels like coal and oil. The reason behind this transformation is the fact that gas is safer as compared to other energy sources.
Although gas is relatively safer as compared to other fuels, it does have some potential risks, such as fire, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Ever since the gas has been in use for heating, cooking, and water heating, several gas accidents have been reported. As a result, the authorities have formulated a set of rules and regulations aimed at protecting the people and properties against possible gas accidents.
The basic law, commonly known as the Gas Safety Regulations, was implemented in October 1998 across the UK. It is quite a comprehensive law, which was made even more effective through various amendments from time to time. This law covers the entire concept of gas safety in homes, businesses, and commercial units. Accordingly, the landlords are made responsible for the gas safety of their rented-out properties, which also includes the properties used as Student Housing.
Any property specifically used as an accommodation for students comes under the category of Student Housing. Such accommodations can be bifurcated into the following categories:
Normally, the Universities provide student accommodations, mostly for the first year of study. These are called Halls of Residence, which are ideally located within the University Campus or, otherwise, in its close vicinity. Here, the students share a room in groups of 2 to 10. They also share a kitchen and washrooms. Mostly, the students prefer to look for other accommodations after completing the first year of their studies.
The second most popular type of student housing is similar to the University Halls but managed by a private owner. This type of student accommodation generally comprises HMOs (House of Multiple Occupancy). Students can share a room, kitchen and washroom in a group of 2-10 persons. They have to pay the rentals individually. It may cost somewhat more, but it is still within the affordable budget for the students. This accommodation type is more popular with students once they complete their first year in the University.
Commonly referred to as BTRs (Built to Rent) apartments or flats. These are primarily meant for professionals, but many students also use this accommodation type. Since these are not managed explicitly for students, it may cost higher than the University or Private Halls of Residence for het students.
Another category of student accommodation is a property built specifically for the students. Accordingly, these are located near educational institutions, mostly within walking distance. All possible facilities are provided in these properties, which a student might need for a comfortable and convenient living.
The responsibilities of landlords for the gas safety of student housing are outlined in the “Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, as amended from time to time. These gas safety regulations are equally applicable to the landlords of Student Housing. The prime concern is to protect the students from the most serious threat of eruption of fire or a sudden explosion. The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is also a serious consideration, for which the landlords must follow the guidelines in the gas safety regulations.
Student Housing is quite a specific type of accommodation, as compared to traditional residential or commercial properties. Therefore, the implementation of gas safety parameters needs special attention by the landlords. Similarly, the students are also required to be aware of their responsibilities towards gas safety.
To ensure the gas safety of the students and the properties, the landlords must be aware of their legal responsibilities, as summarized below:
Gas appliances are prone to developing faults with the passage of time; hence need regular checking, periodic maintenance and timely servicing out of the annual gas safety inspection. It is also important to regularly inspect the gas appliances and allied fittings. If any fault or abnormality is observed, the landlords must take immediate steps to rectify the fault.
Gas appliances, especially boilers, may develop various faults and abnormalities in their performance. Such a fault may lead to a major disaster if not attended timely. Hence, it is necessary to keep an eye on the performance of all gas appliances and rectify the faults immediately. The flues and vents are also very important in gas safety measures; hence need regular maintenance and servicing.
Most of the students living in Student Housing are often unaware of the gas safety protocols. Especially the International students may not be aware of the gas safety laws of the UK. This may create problems for the implementation of gas safety laws in student accommodations. It is, therefore, very important for landlords to regularly educate the students living in their properties on how to ensure the implementation of gas safety regulations and, more importantly, how to react in case of an emergency gas safety situation.
Generally, the risks associated with the usage of gas in student housing include fire, explosion, and Carbon Monoxide poisoning. While fire and explosions often occur as a result of unattended gas leakage out of the gas pipework, carbon monoxide poisoning happens as a result of incomplete burning due to a fault in the gas appliances. Timely detection of gas leakage and emission of carbon monoxide can avoid such mishaps.
Gas leak detectors can detect a gas leak, whereas CO detectors can detect carbon monoxide. So, the installation of these gadgets may save the students from a possible mishap. Additionally, smoke detectors may also be useful to avoid fire in the student housing. Installation of carbon monoxide alarm systems is also a legal requirement for Student Accommodations.
Awareness of the Gas Safety Regulations by the students and landlords of Student Housing is the most important factor in preventing any gas accident.
The safety of students living in student housing against possible gas hazards is the prime responsibility of the landlords. It is their legal obligation under the gas safety regulations of 1998. They are legally bound to arrange the annual gas safety inspection on all the gas appliances installed in student housing. It is also their responsibility to keep the property gas safe all the time. A gas safety certificate (CP12) is proof that the student housing was inspected for gas safety during the last 12 months.
Hence, the landlords are required to obtain a valid gas safety certificate on successful completion of the annual gas safety inspection. The gas safety of student housing is just like any other property. However, the involvement of many students and multiple accommodations makes it a bit difficult to manage. One of the most important factors is the awareness of the gas safety regulations by the students. They should also be educated on how to react in an emergency to protect themselves from possible injuries.
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