When it comes to renting out property to tenants, it is vital to protect both your properties and the residents living in them. An important aspect of this is ensuring you are up to date with gas safety checks. Often, a small issue left unchecked can develop into a dangerous situation, and with approximately 1 in 6 homes failing their safety check each year, staying up to date is mandatory.
Failing a gas safety check isn’t a situation that comes without repercussions; it is important to prioritise safety checks every 12 months, or landlords can face significant fines. This blog will guide you through exactly what you need to know as a landlord to understand the importance of safety checks and what your responsibilities are to remain compliant after a failed gas safety check.
What It Means When a Property Fails a Gas Safety Check
When a property fails a gas safety check, it means a registered Gas Safe engineer has identified a dangerous or faulty appliance or pipework which can pose a risk to the property or even life. Often, use will be prevented until the problem has been fixed. The engineer will often rank the risk of the issue as:
– At Risk (AR): the appliance or installation is currently not dangerous, but it has faults that could ultimately become dangerous if left in use. The engineer will usually advise that it should not be used until repaired.
– Immediately Dangerous (ID) : the appliance or installation poses as an immediate risk to life or property. The engineer will normally disconnect it instantly to prevent use until the issue is fixed
After failing a gas safety check, you cannot receive a pass certificate until the issues are fixed and reinspected. Failure to resolve the issue quickly can result in fines of up to £6,000, per offence (or per appliance), with higher penalties possible in more serious cases. It may also lead to invalidated insurance or even imprisonment.
What Steps Landlords Should Take Next
After a gas safety certificate fails, landlords must act immediately both to ensure the safety of their tenant and to avoid any consequences.
- Initial Steps: As mentioned above, the engineer will usually disconnect the appliance that is faulty, and it is important that you do not allow your tenant to try to use the appliance until it has been fixed.
- Communication: Inform the tenant and provide information on the problem, as well as the gas safety record indicating the failed check. This should be done within 28 days, but it is recommended to do it immediately.
- Provide Alternatives: The landlord should promptly provide alternatives; for example, if the heating won’t be working, then a safe alternative should be given.
- Repair in Good Time: The fault should be fixed by a registered Gas Safe engineer as soon as possible to minimise disruption, ideally within 24-48 hours if the issue is urgent. If it cannot be fixed, it must be replaced to avoid gas safety consequences. You should not attempt to fix it yourself, even if it is a ‘small’ issue.
- Re-evaluate: After the problem is resolved, it must be approved to receive a safety certificate, which should also be given to the tenant.
Common Reasons Gas Safety Inspections Fail
Gas safety inspection failures are usually a result of dangerous, poorly maintained or incorrectly installed appliances. The most common reasons include:
- Blocked or Damaged Flues: Prevents harmful substances from leaving the building safely.
- Inadequate Ventilation: Sufficient airflow is important for many appliances to work safely.
- Gas Leaks: Small leaks can pose a danger to life, resulting in immediate failure.
- Faulty or Damaged Appliances: Issues can make appliances unsafe.
- Missing or Faulty Safety Devices: Failure of supervision devices to cut off gas.
- Poorly Maintained/Dirty Components: This can prevent combustion and cause corrosion.
- Non-Compliant Installations: An example is if pipes are located too close to electrical junction boxes.
- Carbon Monoxide Leakage: Detection of dangerous levels will lead to failure.
Legal Responsibilities of Landlords After a Failed Check
After a gas safety check fails, a landlord must have the issue fixed within 28 days; however, getting it resolved sooner avoids risking going over the time limit, as the appliance also needs to be re-checked and approved within this time. Well-maintained appliances also use less energy and reduce running costs, so receiving these cheques can save money. A new safety certificate must also be obtained. The tenant should be informed to ensure their safety and understanding of when the failed appliance will be fixed.
To help ensure compliance and avoid these risks, many landlords choose a structured gas safety service that covers all required checks and certification.
What’s Included in a Basic Check?
A Basic Package is designed to help landlords protect their tenants and properties and to meet gas safety regulations with a hassle-free and cost-effective solution. The check includes a full basic inspection, and once it is passed, you will be provided with your certificate. What’s included:
- Gas tightness test
- Boiler combustion test
- Boiler strip down and visual inspection of seals
- Cooker inspection
- Gas fire inspection
- Carbon Monoxide alarm test
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a gas safety check to fail?
Common issues include gas leaks, poorly maintained appliances or non-compliant installations. Our Basic Package is designed to help landlords protect their tenants and properties and to meet gas safety regulations with a hassle-free and cost-effective solution.
Can tenants stay if a property fails?
Usually, tenants can stay if a property fails, assuming the issue doesn’t pose immediate danger. However, the faulty appliance must not be used until it has been fixed, and a safety certificate has been issued.
How quickly must issues be fixed?
Issues must be fixed within 28 days, with this timeline including the time to have the appliance re-checked. Landlords are expected to have a gas safety check every 12 months to remain compliant.
Who pays for gas safety repairs?
The landlord is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a gas check every 12 months. This duty covers all gas appliances. While tenants do not pay for the service, they must allow access for it to be completed.
Here at GMC Gas Services, we are dedicated to keeping your tenants safe and your property compliant with our professional gas safety checks in Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
We will inspect all gas appliances, flues, and pipes in your properties and ensure they are safe and functioning as they should.
Once completed, you will receive a Gas Safety Certificate as proof of compliance with legal obligations.