Gas servicing and safety
As a leaseholder you are responsible for the maintenance of all gas appliances and flues in your property. You are required to have them checked for safety at least once every 12 months. If you have sublet your property, as a landlord, you actually have a legal responsibility to your tenant under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. You must ensure that an annual safety check is carried out on each appliance and/or flue that you provide for tenants use, and that a record of each safety check is kept for 2 years.
Further information can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website
Hints and tips
If you smell gas in your home:
- Turn off your gas supply at the meter (contact your caretaker if you have one).
- Open all doors and windows to get rid of the gas.
- Do not turn any electrical switches on or off.
- Do not use door bells.
- Do not light a match or cigarette lighter.
- Check to see if an appliance has been left on, but is unlit. If so, do not turn your gas back on or try to re-light until the smell of gas has cleared.
If the leak cannot be stopped by turning off appliances, phone Transco, the gas emergency service, immediately on 0800 111 999. This service is free.
The emergency service will attend as soon as possible and make sure your appliance is safe to use. They will tell you if the problem requires your gas to be shut off until a repair can be carried out.