Many landlords 'unaware of gas safety responsibilities'
A large number of buy-to-let property owners, particularly those becoming a landlord for the first time, could be unaware of their legal responsibilities when it comes to gas safety.
According to Jeff Learman, director of communications at Gas Safety Register, most landlords who contravene rules over gas safety checks do so out of ignorance of the law rather than a deliberate attempt to cut corners.
The law stipulates that those renting out properties must have all gas appliances checked for safety every 12 months and provide the inspection report to the tenant.
"We know that the vast majority of landlords and first-time landlords in particular won't be consciously avoiding paying for annual gas checks - they simply don't always realise that they are a legal requirement. There is some level of ignorance, but awareness is increasing," said Mr Learman.
However, he stressed that it was important that all landlords understand their responsibilities in regards to gas safety as failing to do this could pose a serious threat to tenants' well-being.
"All landlords clearly should be aware of what's happening in terms of their responsibility. Clearly landlords have a responsibility to do an annual gas safety check of the premises, they know that they have to issue a landlord's certificate to the person in the home," said Mr Learman.
The expert also argued that tenants can help ensure gas safety requirements are met by being better informed of their rights.
"It's important for the person that lives in that house to know their rights, to know how to turn off the gas supply and to check that the engineer that visits for gas [checks] is actually Gas Safety registered," he said.
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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