Gas safety

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 specifically deal with the installation, maintenance and use of gas appliances and installations in rented residential property.

Older gas or water heaters or those appliances that have not been properly installed or maintained may emit carbon monoxide if the gas supplied to them does not burn properly. The problem is that carbon monoxide has no colour, taste, or smell and is highly poisonous. If allowed to accumulate in a confined space it can cause tiredness, drowsiness, headache and chest pains. In extreme cases, long-term exposure can be fatal.

Occupiers are particularly at risk of poisoning if the appliance is poorly installed, not working properly, has not been regularly checked or serviced by a competent person, the flue to the appliance has become blocked or the fixed ventilation grilles or air bricks have been covered.

Look for these danger signs:

• stains, soot or discolouring around a gas fire or at the top of a water heater
• a yellow or orange flame on a gas fire or water heater
• a strange smell when the appliance is on

The Regulations require that the landlord must:

• ensure that the gas fittings are maintained in a safe condition
• ensure that an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance
• have all installation, maintenance and safety checks carried out by a CORGI-registered gas installer
• keep a record of each safety check for at least two years
• give a copy of the safety record to each tenant within 28 days of the check, and a copy to new tenants before they move in
• there are other requirements about the installation of certain gas appliances in sleeping accommodation (please use the contacts below for more information)

If you small gas, or suspect there is a gas escape, you should immediately shut off the gas supply and contact the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999.

The Health and Safety Executive Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300 363

• The HSE Gas Safety website
• The Gas Safe Register has replaced CORGI registration.
• The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 can be found at on the official government website.