Gas and Electrical Safety Checks

Posted on 26/06/2010

 As a landlord with Clear Lets you have particular obligations to your tenant when it comes to gas and electrical safety.

For instance, you should ensure that all gas fittings are regularly checked and in a safe condition. This means getting an engineer in to take a look at them at least once a year. And make sure the engineer is properly qualified and registered with the Gas Safety Register. You can get a list of approved engineers from http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/. An engineer won't be offended if you ask him for his ID card.

Before you begin a lease with a new tenant your gas check MUST have been completed within the past 12 months - unless the appliances are newer than that.

In accordance with the (Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998) you should be able to produce records of safety checks for at least two years. Your tenant should also receive a copy prior to his moving in date or within a month of the check being carried out.

The gas checks cover any appliance or flue used by the tenant, including portable fires (unless owned by him), even if not installed in his accommodation but another part of the building.

Failure to allow a tenant to use a gas appliance you suspect is faulty could lead to prosecution and a fine. In severe cases it could lead to imprisonment.

In terms of electrical safety, all appliances should, of course be safe (Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994). Every room should have a reasonable amount of sockets and you should have an electrical test certificate supplied by an accredited engineer www.niceic.com

A yearly check is required to ensure electrics are current in terms of statutory regulations. Again, keep a record of all checks and issue a safety certificate to your tenant. It goes without saying, try and avoid purchasing second-hand electrical equipment as there is a high risk of it being defective. Always keep operating instructions in the flat and replace worn flexes.

For further information on gas or electrical safety feel free to ask for advice at any of our four offices throughout Scotland. It's always better to be safe rather than sorry.