Many amateur landlords in the UK are putting their tenants’ lives at risk by avoiding their responsibilities over gas safety, according to a new study.
The survey of 1,000 part-time landlords and 500 tenants of amateur landlords by Atomik Research, on behalf of British Gas, found that 20% of amateur landlords do not conduct
Thousands of Amateur Landlords are Putting Tenants’ Lives at Risk
compulsory annual gas safety checks, while over a third are not even aware that gas safety is a legal requirement.
Landlords that do not adhere to the law on gas safety could face hefty fines if they are caught.
Gas safety checks, which must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, pick up a range of problems, including faulty boilers, and are vital in helping to prevent gas leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Landlords must also be aware that they are required by law to fit smoke alarms on each floor of their rental property, and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel burning appliances.
The Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, Barry Sheerman MP, says: “It is shocking that 38% of landlords in the non-traditional rental sector – which includes holiday lets, Airbnb accommodation and lodgers – do not know that they are legally obliged to have a safety check conducted on all gas appliances in their premises.
“I urge all landlords to have their gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer on an annual basis, to ensure that they are in safe and functioning order, and that holidaymakers and others staying in their properties are safe from CO [carbon monoxide] poisoning.”1
British Gas engineer Sheena Anker insists that it is vital that amateur landlords to ensure their tenants are kept safe and to stick to the law: “Although they may only rent out a room or property for a few weeks each year, it’s crucial for part-time landlords to ensure that their tenants are kept safe, and to stay on the right side of the law.
“I’ve visited properties and seen unsafe appliances which either haven’t been serviced in years or have been installed by illegal gas fitters. Worryingly, tenants are often oblivious to the danger they are in. To stay safe, tenants should ask landlords for a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate, following a check from a Gas Safe registered engineer.”1
For all of your responsibilities as a landlord, check this comprehensive Gas Safe Register-approved guide: https://www.justlandlords.co.uk/news/landlords-guide-gas-safety/
1 https://www.britishgas.co.uk/media/r/1409/lives_put_at_risk_as_part-time_landlords_overlook