Landlords reminded to use registered gas engineers
Buy-to-let property owners have been reminded of their obligations when it comes to gas safety.
To mark the start of Gas Safety Week today (September 12th), the National Landlords Association (NLA) has highlighted the importance of using a registered gas engineer, as well as taking other steps to ensure tenants and properties are protected from gas leaks.
The organisation warned that gas leaks could lead to tenants suffering from potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
"It's vital that a registered gas engineer is always used to carry out any work on gas appliances to ensure it's done properly. They can be found on the Gas Safe Register website," said Richard Price, director of operations at the NLA.
"Always ask to see their identification to ensure they are qualified to do the work you require. Once the work is complete, give a copy of the gas safety record to the tenant and keep one for yourself."
In addition, the NLA reminded landlords that they are required by law to have all gas appliances which they supply checked every 12 months, and provide the inspection report to the tenant.
Getting a carbon monoxide detector installed in the property to warn the occupants in the event of a gas leak is another safety message landlords should consider taking, it advised.
Not only could these steps help owners of buy-to-let properties protect their tenants, it could also reduce the likelihood of them having to claim on their landlord liability insurance to cover the cost of compensation demands.
It follows a recent report from the Gas Safety Trust which found that the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning occurring in a private rented property is 50 per cent greater than that in either an owner occupied property or one with a social sector landlord.
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