As a landlord, your duties aren’t limited to collecting the month’s rent from your tenants and being done with it. Being a landlord comes with its own set of responsibilities and these are specifically related to the safety of your tenants not to mention, your estate as well. As a landlord, when you stick to these safety guidelines, you’ll be at peace that your tenant’s well-being is ensured. Moreover, you can rest assured that your property is well maintained at all times.
As a landlord, it is absolutely crucial for you to be aware of your responsibilities and observe complete gas safety.
In this piece, we will discuss all you need to know about your gas safety responsibilities as a landlord.
What Do I Need To Know About The Law Surrounding Rental Accommodation?
Legally, landlords have to ensure that their tenant’s safety is all but guaranteed. This responsibility is applicable to accommodation in every capacity that is covered by licenses and leases. It comprises of any place of residence that’s available on rent, private households, holiday accommodations, hotels, rooms and more.What Does The Law on Gas Safety State?
There are several pointers in ‘The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, that guides landlords on how to adhere to the rules laid out. It also assists the tenants/occupants of the property as they are aware of the duties that a landlord has to fulfil with respect to gas safety. This act highlights aspects of maintenance, installation and utilization of gas fittings and appliances in both residential and commercial properties. It includes aspects of compliance on gas safety law while also advising landlords to do their bit in ensuring total safety of the premises.As the landlord what are my responsibilities?
If you’ve opted for gas in your premises, there are three major responsibilities that you have to shoulder as a landlord:- You will be responsible for the overall maintenance and pipework. This comprises of having all the gas appliances serviced thoroughly as instructed by the manufacturer. If it’s not specified how frequently these checks have to be performed, then a registered Gas Safe engineer should be able to help you with it. Alternatively, servicing of all gas-specific equipment should be done once every year.
- You’ll be responsible for conducting safety checks on all flues and appliances annually. This annual examination, under your Landlord Gas Safety Certificate or CP12, is important in ensuring that all fittings and appliances are safe for everyday use.
- As a landlord, you are responsible for providing your existing tenants with copies of gas safety records. This has to be done within 28 days of the check being completed. In the case of new tenants, copies should be provided before they move in. As the landlord, you should keep copies with you well for a two-year rolling window.
- All checks and inspections must be done by registered Gas safe engineers.
- Tenants who bring along their own gas appliances will be responsible for it completely. Your responsibility as the landlord of the premise extends just to the gas pipework.
- You should inform your tenants about the main gas valve’s location so that they are prepared in case of any emergency.
- Leases drawn up for tenants should clearly state that as landlords you’re granted access in the premise for safety checks and maintenance of the gas pipework. In case your tenants deny access into the premise, document the event along with the action taken for future references.
- Tenants who have short-term leases will still have to comply with the gas safety maintenance and inspections in case their lease period falls on the designated time.
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