Better gas safe than sorry!

In case you didn't know, this week is Gas Safety Week. So we thought a timely reminder of landlords’ responsibilities for gas safety in rented properties might be useful for anyone who’s not sure of their obligations. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 set out your duties as a landlord to make sure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues are safe and working efficiently. If you’re letting a property with gas appliances installed, you’ve got three main legal responsibilities:

• Gas safety checks,
• The Gas Safety Record and
• Regular maintenance of all pipework, appliances and chimneys or flues.

Gas Safety Checks: The Basics

An essential requirement for landlords is to ensure that an annual gas safety check is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find one here. Always ensure the engineer carries the yellow Gas Safe logo. After the check is complete, you will receive a Gas Safety Record (also known as a CP12 certificate) that details the checks performed. You are required to give a copy of this record to your tenants.

The check can take place anytime within a 10-12 month window after the previous check, without affecting the original expiry date. However, be mindful that if the check is done less than 10 months or more than 12 months after the last inspection, the new expiry date will be set 12 months from the most recent check.

Landlords' Safety Responsibilities

While landlords are not responsible for tenants' own gas appliances, part of your legal duty includes ensuring that any connecting flues are safe, unless they are solely connected to the tenants’ appliances. Although there is no legal obligation to maintain a record of gas safety checks, it’s a good idea for your own peace of mind to document any servicing or inspections carried out on chimneys, flues, and pipework.

The Importance of Access for Safety Checks

One of the current concerns regarding gas safety checks is the potential difficulty in gaining access to rental properties. If tenants are ill, self-isolating, or otherwise unavailable for a check, or if you have trouble booking an engineer, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises landlords to demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to comply with the law. It’s essential to keep records of any attempts to arrange access, including emails, phone call logs, and details of engineer visits. Make sure to rearrange the safety check as soon as possible to remain compliant with the regulations.

How PlanetRent Can Help You Stay Compliant

If you're concerned about ensuring compliance and avoiding potential fines for failing to meet gas safety requirements, consider using PlanetRent. This automated lettings platform is designed to help landlords navigate all the latest legislation and rental regulations with ease, making property management hassle-free. PlanetRent is beneficial whether you're using an agent or managing the property independently. It’s a cloud-based platform with portals for tenants, contractors, and letting agents. With a dashboard that alerts you when documents or safety checks are due, PlanetRent helps you stay on top of all compliance-related tasks.

Take the Hassle Out of Gas Safety Compliance

PlanetRent provides an efficient, user-friendly way to manage your rental properties and ensure gas safety checks are completed on time. The platform gives you the tools to keep track of what’s expiring soon and what needs renewing, helping you stay compliant without the stress. If you want a smarter way to manage gas safety and other rental obligations, take a closer look at PlanetRent today.