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These regulations came into force on
31st October, 1998
For all properties:
All work carried out on gas appliances
and fittings must be done by a CORGI registered engineer.
Only room sealed appliances can be
installed in a bathroom.
No instantaneous water heater can be
installed in any room unless it is room sealed or has a safety device
fitted.
Where a gas meter is installed in a
lockable box, the installer must supply a labelled key.
The installer or engineer must carry out
a series of set tests after carrying out any works on a gas appliance.
Any person who installs a gas appliance
shall leave manufacturer’s instructions for the occupier of the
property.
The person responsible for the property
shall not use nor permit to be used any known faulty gas appliance.
A person carrying out works to a property
shall ensure that the safety of the gas appliances and supply is not
affected.
No person shall install a flue unless it
is in a safe position.
Where there is an escape of gas or CO the
person occupier, landlord or agent shall take reasonable steps to ensure
that the escape is minimised or shall immediately inform the gas
company. The Emergency Gas telephone number is 0800 111 999
Furthermore, the regulations are specific
to rented properties in that they state:
1. MAINTENANCE: the Regulations place a duty on the landlord
to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and associated pipe work are
maintained in a safe condition at all times.
2. ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK: Gas appliances and flues in rented
accommodation must be checked for safety within 12 months of being
installed and thereafter at least every 12 months by a competent
engineer (i.e. CORGI registered).
3. NEW TENANCIES: before any tenancy or lease commences it
must be ensured that the gas safety check has been carried out on each
appliance and flue within the 12 month period before the tenancy
commences or has been or will be carried out within 12 months after the
appliance or flue was installed, whichever is the later.
4. TENANT’S APPLIANCES: appliances owned by the tenant are
defined as those appliances which the tenant is entitled to take away
upon terminating the tenancy. It is not the landlord’s duty to have
the tenants appliances tested.
5. RECORDS: The Regulations require the landlord or his
agent to keep a record of safety checks on each appliance and flue. The
record must include the prescribed information which includes the date
of the check, the address of the premises checked, the name and address
of the landlord or where appropriate the agent, the description of the
appliance/flue checked, any defect identified, any remedial works
undertaken, confirmation that the check complies with the Regulations
and the name and CORGI registration number of the person doing the
check. The CORGI Gas Safety Record Form should be used for this purpose.
Records must be kept for a minimum of two years.
6. GAS CERTIFICATE: a copy of the safety check record or
certificate must be given to the new tenant before the tenant occupies
the premises. Also a copy of the new record must be given to the
existing tenant within 28 days of the check. Please note that a copy
must be given to all tenants. I.e. 6 tenants = 6 copies.
7. CONTRACTING OUT: a landlord or his agent can not at any
time contract out his obligation to ensure the safety of the gas
appliances and flues in the property. Therefore, a landlord or his agent
can not place the responsibility upon the tenant to have the safety
checks carried out.
PENALTY AND ENFORCEMENT:
The maximum penalty imposed in a
Magistrates
Court
for non-compliance is a fine
of £5,000. Note however, that where injury or death occurs due to the
non-compliance an unlimited fine and or custodial sentence can be
imposed.
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