As a landlord, there are certain responsibilities and requirements that you have to your tenants. One of these involves the gas boiler and the associated heating system in the house which should be serviced regularly by someone who is qualified under the government approved scheme. But how often does a gas boiler need servicing and what certificate should be provided when the work is done?
Why boilers need servicing
The boiler and the heating system are crucial in the winter to keep the house warm and habitable. This means they need to be working safely and should be as energy efficient as possible. An inefficient boiler wastes money and can also lead to expensive break downs. The cost of boiler repairs are often considerably more expensive than regular servicing.
What are the responsibilities?
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, a landlord is required to ensure the safety of tenants by making sure that gas appliances, fittings and flues are safe and functioning properly. This means any of these items in communal areas that are used by the tenant must also be checked and serviced.
Gas engineers recommend a service at least once every twelve months, starting from installation. So, if a landlord institutes checks every year at the same time, say in autumn before the heavy use period begins, then he is fulfilling his obligations.
For the tenant, there is the responsibility to ensure the engineer can gain access to the property to make the checks required. If the tenant fails to make the property accessible for the engineer, the landlord is within their rights to gain access themselves to allow the checks to be carried out. The checks are for the benefits of everyone so tenants usually have no problem with them.
Gas Safe engineers
Servicing should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and a certificate should be issued to confirm the work has been done. This is called a Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate and should be kept for at least two years. A copy must be given to the tenant within 28 days of the check and should a new tenant come into the property, then they too need to be given a copy of the certificate.
Ensure safety
As part of a Gas Safe engineer’s visit, a number of checks are made that can safeguard both landlord and tenant. These include checking for carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas that is odourless and colourless. Most engineers do recommend placing a carbon monoxide detector in the property, near to the boiler, as an added level of protection for those living in the house.
For more information on obtaining a landlord gas safety certificate in Bristol, please get in touch with DHS. We have years of experience within the boiler industry and can provide advice and regular maintenance to ensure safety measures are adhered to.
Call DHS today on 0117 924 7200, email us, or request a call back.
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