Domestic gas: frequently asked questions

Full details of the requirements for Gas Safe registration along with details of the fees can be found on the Gas Safe Register website.

No. Previous exemptions have been incorporated into the Regulations by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 and will be withdrawn after the regulations come into force on 6 April 2018.

The exemptions were:

• 01/2015 -  to allow gas engineers to use a different test method to check the safe operation of certain types of gas appliance that cannot fully meet the testing requirements set out in regulation 26(9)(c);
• 01/2016 -   a site specific exemption in relation to the supply of compressed natural gas for vehicle refuelling.

Since April 1998, the gas industry has worked together to provide guidance to engineers on how to deal with a wide range of unsafe situations which they may identify during the course of their work on domestic and non-domestic gas installations. This advice has been published through the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP), the latest edition (7th edition) of which came into effect on 1 July 2015.

The most significant change in the 7th edition is the introduction of a clear message to gas users and responsible persons.  If an appliance or installation is found by a gas engineer to be either 'at risk' or 'immediately dangerous' both will carry the same message on the warning label: 'Danger Do Not Use'.  To enable both gas users and engineers to focus on the key safety message, the 'not to current standards' (NCS) category has been removed from the procedure because, by definition, these situations are not unsafe. Registered businesses may still record NCS situations but this no longer forms part of the official GIUSP. 

Gas Safe Register recognises that registered businesses/engineers will need time to revise their processes, procedures and documentation, and carry out necessary internal update training.  Therefore, Gas Safe Register will inspect to the 7th edition from 1 July 2016 so providing a 12-month lead-in period.  However, businesses are encouraged to adopt the revised procedure as soon as possible.

Further guidance on the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure is available from the Gas Safe Register, 200 Cedarwood, Crockford Lane, Basingstoke, RG24 8WD Tel – 0800 408 5577.

It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you suspect there is a gas leak you should immediately do the following:

• Call National Grid's Gas Emergency Freephone number: 0800 111 999
• Open all the doors and windows
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is)

HSE strongly advises that all gas appliances, flues and pipework should be installed, regularly maintained and serviced at least annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Anyone employed to work on gas appliances in domestic premises must be a Gas Safe registered engineer and competent in that area of gas work. The gas engineer's competencies are clearly marked on the back of the engineer's Gas Safe Register ID card. If in any doubt you can ring Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500 or check their website to see if the engineer is registered.

HSE strongly recommends the use of CO alarms as one useful precaution to give advance warning of CO in a property. Importantly alarms should not be regarded as a replacement for regular maintenance and safety checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer. CO alarms cost from £15 and can be purchased in most hardware shops. Before purchasing a CO alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. CO alarms should be installed and maintained in line with the manufacturer's instructions

If you have shared ownership of your property and the lease is for longer than 7 years the housing company does not have landlord's duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98). In this situation you would have the same responsibilities as a homeowner.

In situations where a lease is shorter than 7 years then the housing company would be classified as a landlord under GS(IU)R 98. The contract between you and the housing company should clearly state who is responsible for the associated duties for domestic gas safety.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and Building Regulations require flues to be installed in a safe position at specified distances from the boundary, however there might be installations that do not comply but still operate safely. Ideally neighbours, builders and householders should consider this issue and consult before commencing work. The Department of Communities and Local Government has published an explanatory booklet on this offering more advice. If you are still concerned then get a Gas Safe registered engineer to examine the flue.

Every year around 7 people die from gas-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. HSE strongly advises that gas appliances and/or flues are regularly checked for safety at least once every 12 months.

Gas safety contacts and information sources

Since 31 October 1998, any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should not contain the following types of gas appliances:

1. A gas fire, gas space heater or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) over 14 kilowatts gross input unless it is room sealed.
2. A gas fire, gas space heater, or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) of 14 kilowatts gross input or less or any instantaneous water heater unless it is room sealed or has an atmosphere-sensing device.

If a room contains one or more of the above appliances and was used as a bedroom prior to 1998 then you will need to do a risk assessment to determine if it can still be used as a bedroom. If you are unsure of the safety of any gas appliance you should get a Gas Safe registered engineer to check it for you.

Free leaflets explaining some general gas safety information are available from HSE.

HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering  information  on gas safety that is open between   9.00am and 5 .30 pm Monday to  Thursday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.

The Gas Safe Register is focused exclusively on gas safety.  One benefit for consumers is the fresh impetus on consumer gas safety through new initiatives to raise public awareness of the risks and how to manage them  Consumers can use the 'Find an engineer' or 'Check an Engineer' service through the Gas Safe Register website to ensure that their engineer is registered and competent to do the work.

There will be a new risk-based system to inspect work undertaken by gas engineers. This will target unsafe gas work thereby providing greater assurance that engaging a registered engineer will deliver safe gas work.

The cost of registration is only a small element of the bill you pay but the Gas Safe Register is committed to  reducing costs associated with the gas engineer registration scheme.

The Gas Safe Register website has a 'Find an Engineer' service where you can find a local registered engineer simply by inputting your postcode. Alternatively consumers can call the freefone helpline on 0800 408 5500.

Consumers can also check that the engineer who has come to undertake the work is the engineer the 'found' on the website through the 'Check an Engineer' service on the Gas Safe Register website.  By inputting the licence number from the engineers ID card. Consumers will be able to see pictures of the registered engineers and details of their qualifications.  This information can also be sent through as a picture message to a mobile phone by calling the freefone helpline on 0800 408 5500. Consumers can check a business is registered by texting Gas and the business registration number to 85080. Consumers will receive a text back confirming whether the registration number is registered. Alternatively consumers can check an engineer is registered by texting Gas and the engineers seven digit licence number to 85080. Again consumers will receive a text message confirming if the licence card number is registered.

As an additional  option  consumers can also request a photo of their engineer to be sent to their phone, providing an engineer has signed up to this service. Following confirmation of an engineer's registration the consumer will be offered the option to reply with Photo and the engineers licence number to be sent the engineers photograph.

Full details of the complaints procedure, and what do do if the engineer is not registered with the Gas Safe Register can be found on the Gas Safe Register website.

The Gas Safe Register have a specialist team to track down these individuals and discourage them from operating illegally. They will work closely with HSE on any enforcement action. If you suspect that someone is working on gas appliances without being Gas Safe registered you can make a report to the Gas Safe Register through their website .

If your engineer recommends that more work needs to be done on your appliance always follow the advice given. If you have doubts over the advice follow it in the interim period and contact Gas Safe Register website for further advice.

To help operate safely, all gas appliances need the following:

• An adequate supply of air to help the complete combustion of gas;
• efficient operation of their flue to remove any combustion products, including carbon monoxide (CO), that are produced

Without these safety precautions dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up with the possibility of fatal consequences. There are some easy ways to help avoid the build up of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• never block ventilation;
• ensure that flues are kept clear at all times;
• Have your appliance regularly maintained and annually serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

All Gas Safe registered engineers carry ID cards which tell you which appliances they are qualified to work on.

You can check that the engineer or the business is on the Gas Safe Register website.

HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering information on gas safety that is open between 9.00am and 5 .30 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.

In relation to domestic gas under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98), a landlord is anyone who rents out a property that they own under a lease that is shorter than 7 years or under a licence . Regardless of whether you are a landlord under GS(IU)R 98 you may be considered a landlord under other related legislation.

Landlords' duties apply to a wide range of accommodation, occupied under a lease or licence, which includes, but not exclusively:

• residential premises provided for rent by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, housing co-operatives, hostels
• rooms let in bed-sit accommodation, private households, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels
• rented holiday accommodation such as chalets, cottages, flats, caravans and narrow boats on inland waterways.

If the lease is for longer than seven years and is for life, the landlord is not responsible for gas safety checks and maintenance. But if there is an implied tenancy arrangement, such as accommodation is provided as part of your job (eg vicar, publican), you should continue to carry out your duties for maintenance and gas safety checks.

The contract you make with your tenant should allow you access for any maintenance or safety check work that needs to be done. You must not use force to enter the property. Further information is provided in regulation 39 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

A landlord has to show that they took all reasonable steps to comply with the law. HSE recommends the following actions and strongly advises that a record be kept of all correspondence with the tenants:

• Leave the tenant a notice stating that an attempt was made to complete the gas safety check and provide your contact details.
• Write to the tenant explaining that a safety check is a legal requirement and that it is for the tenant's own safety. Give the tenant the opportunity to arrange their own appointment.
• HSE inspectors will look for repeated attempts to complete the gas safety check, including the above suggestions; however the approach will need to be appropriate to each circumstance. It would ultimately be for a court to decide if the action taken was reasonable depending upon the individual circumstances.

If you have shared ownership of your property and the lease is for longer than 7 years the housing company does not have landlord's duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(IU)R 98). In this situation you would have the same responsibilities as a home owner.

In situations where a lease is shorter than 7 years then the housing company would be classified as a landlord under GS(IU)R 98. The contract between you and the housing company should clearly state who is responsible for the associated duties for domestic gas safety.

As the original landlord you are still responsible for gas safety checks. You cannot transfer this responsibility to your tenant who is sub-letting. If your property is wholly sub-let, your contract with your tenant must clearly allocate the responsibility for completing the gas safety check.

In the case of sub-let accommodation, the 'original' landlord may retain duties which overlap with those acquired by the person who sub-lets. In these cases, dutyholders need to take effective steps (eg by close co-operation, and clear allocation of responsibilities under contractual arrangements) to ensure requirements are fully met.

However, licensors (ie 'sub-letters') of premises who are themselves tenants of those premises are not regarded as landlords in this context and do not have obligations under regulation 36. This means that a tenant allowing others to share accommodation in return for 'rent' does not acquire duties under the regulation; these remain with their landlord.

Your arrangements with the building owner needs to ensure that any communal gas appliances, flues and pipework, which your tenants may use, are appropriately maintained and checked for safety by the building owner. You also need to ensure that evidence of these checks is available to you and your Gas Safe registered engineer who is carrying out maintenance and annual checks in your property.

As a landlord, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with landlords' duties to make sure gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe.

Appliances, fittings and flues in a communal area but which may be used by tenants are also included.  You are responsible for the maintenance and repair of flues,appliances and pipework provided for your tenants use ;by a Gas Safe registered engineer . Although there is no prescribed timeframe for these duties, good practice would be the demonstration of regular, annual maintenance checks and subsequent repairs.

You are also responsible for ensuring an annual gas safety check is carried out within 12 months of the installation of a new appliance or flue which you provide and annually thereafter by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. You must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 you can have the annual gas safety check on each appliance or flue carried out up to 2 months before the date the check needs to be carried out but still retain the original deadline date as if the check had been carried out exactly 12 months after the previous check.

For more information see Regulation 36A of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998

No, except that a contract may be drawn up between a landlord or tenant for an appliance or flue installed in a non-residential part of a premises, for example shops and public houses. Your tenant has a duty not to use an appliance they believe to be dangerous. Further, a tenancy agreement, such as a full repairing and insuring lease, cannot be used to transfer these responsibilities to a tenant.

If a managing agent is used to help you meet your duties, make sure that the management contract clearly specifies who is to make the arrangements for maintenance and safety checks. HSE strongly advises that you request to see copies of the maintenance information and safety check from the management agency to ensure maintenance has been completed, which will also help to fulfil your other legal duties.

Your contract should clearly specify who is responsible for carrying out the maintenance and safety check duties, and keeping of associated records. If the contract specifies that the agent has responsibility then the same duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 that apply to a landlord apply to the agent.

In this situation an agent must arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all pipework, appliances and flues, which the landlord owns and provides for the tenants use. You must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer . You must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.

Any gas appliance that you own and provide for the tenant's use is included in your legal duties. If a tenant has their own gas appliance that you have not provided, then you have responsibilities for parts of the associated installation and pipework but not for the actual appliance.

There are some good practice measures that you could adopt with appliances that tenants own:

1. Send a reminder to the tenant that their appliances should be serviced and checked for safety each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and where possible, offer to include these (at reasonable cost) within gas safety maintenance undertaken on your behalf.
2. At the start of the tenancy, advise the tenant of any flues or chimneys that are unsuitable for the installation of a gas appliance. You may also wish to consider regulating the installation of any appliance by a tenant through the conditions of the tenancy agreement.
3. It is also recommended to include all flues (eg chimneys) connected to gas appliances within your landlord's gas safety check, even where they do not serve appliances provided by the landlord. This may also help to fulfil other legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
4. Free-standing cookers connected by a flexible connector (bayonet fitting), are not considered to be 'readily movable', but can be moved, temporarily, eg to clean the space they normally occupy; this type of activity is not regarded as 'work' within the meaning of these Regulations.
5. Any other type of installation/reinstallation is regarded as gas work and must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer,

If, for example, you have a gas fire in the non-residential area of a public house, the landlords gas safety check does not apply although you may wish to consider drawing up a contract with the tenant to ensure it is safe.

Other legislation enforced by your Local Authority Environmental Health team would apply.

Duties under regulation 36 do not apply to any gas appliance or installation pipework used exclusively in a part of premises occupied for non-residential purposes. However, landlord's duties for maintenance under section 4 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) may in some cases extend to such equipment, and where the part of the premises concerned is a workplace, maintenance requirements under regulation 35, together with relevant duties under the HSW Act and related Regulations (eg Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) are applicable.

Any gas appliance or installation pipework installed in a part of premises used for non-domestic purposes, but (also) serving residential accommodation (eg a central heating boiler) is regarded as a 'relevant gas fitting' and therefore covered by regulation 36, but allowance is made for display of safety check records in some cases.

Since 31 October 1998, any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should not contain the following types of gas appliances:

1. A gas fire, gas space heater or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) over 14 kilowatts gross input unless it is room sealed.
2. A gas fire, gas space heater, or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) of 14 kilowatts gross input or less or any instantaneous water heater unless it is room sealed or has an atmosphere-sensing device.

If a room contains one or more of the above appliances and was used as a bedroom prior to 1998 then you will need to do a risk assessment to determine if it can still be used as a bedroom. If you are unsure of the safety of any gas appliance you should get a Gas Safe registered engineer to check it for you.

Yes, Landlord duties for LPG appliances are the same as for natural gas. The landlord must arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all LPG appliances which they own and provide for tenants and have a Gas Safe registered engineer carry out a safety check carried out at least once every 12 months.

In addition to maintenance, there are some further safety precautions to take with LPG heaters:

• be aware that cabinet heaters need a good supply of fresh air to burn properly so the room must be well ventilated;
• ensure any heaters have an atmosphere sensing device- it will shut the appliance off if the air quality is poor;
• ensure that the correct size and type of gas bottle is being used.
• be aware that outdoor heaters and not designed for use indoors.

Yes. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that landlords must only use a Gas Safe registered engineer for maintenance and safety checks on gas equipment they own and provide for tenants use in domestic premises. HSE advises that you check that the Gas Safe registered engineer is competent to work in that specific area of gas. This is clearly marked on the back of the engineer's Gas Safe Register registration card.

A landlord has to show that they took all reasonable steps to comply with the law. HSE recommends the following best practice in these circumstances and strongly advises that a record be kept of all correspondence with the tenants:

• leave the tenant a notice stating that an attempt was made to complete the gas safety check and provide your contact details;
• write to the tenant explaining that a safety check is a legal requirement and that it is for the tenants own safety. Give the tenant the opportunity to arrange their own appointment;
• HSE inspectors will look for at least three attempts to complete the gas safety check, including the above suggestions; however the approach will need to be appropriate to each circumstance. It would ultimately be for a court to decide if the action taken was reasonable depending upon the individual circumstances.
• It is a good idea to include arrangements for access in the tenancy agreement.

Yes. So long as the electronic copy is:

• capable of being reproduced in hard copy format when required (eg for the tenant/HSE/housing department)
• secure from loss and interference
• Uniquely identifies the gas operative who carried out the safety check eg an electronic signature, a scanned signature, a payroll number unique to the operative, the name of the operative etc; the employer needs to have secure systems that link the individual operative to the unique identifier.

A landlord or gas engineer, with the landlord's agreement, may send or give a copy of the electronic record directly to the tenant, providing the tenant is happy with this arrangement and has the ability to access it.

The gas safety check record is a record of the results of the checks carried out for the annual gas safety check. It should be issued on completion of the checks and not delayed even if defects are found or until necessary remedial action has been taken.

The record is a 'living document' and landlords should supplement it with records of any follow up action taken (if required). This would provide a full record of the gas safety within the property.

You should not assume that an annual service inspection includes the points required by a safety check; neither should you assume that carrying out an annual gas safety check will be sufficient to provide effective maintenance. The advice of a competent Gas Safe registered engineer should be taken where necessary on action required.

It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you suspect there is a gas leak you should immediately do the following:

• Call National Grid's Gas Emergency Freephone number: 0800 111 999
• Open all the doors and windows
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is)

If a gas appliance has been switched off by a Gas Safe registered engineer it is because it is unsafe and should not be used. No matter how inconvenient the situation is for the tenant such action helps to ensure their safety. If a heating appliance has been disconnected then you must provide your tenant with emergency heating, for more information on this contact your local authority whilst arranging for appropriate remedial work by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

From 1st October 2022 the law changed in England and all relevant landlords must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). For more information visit the FAQ section of the explanatory booklet published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. For information on the requirements in Scotland please visit Carbon monoxide alarms in private rented properties: guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) For guidance in Wales Housing | Topic | GOV.WALES.

Regulation 36(2) requires checks for ongoing maintenance purposes, for instance, before a new tenancy is commenced.

Before you re-let a property after tenants have vacated it, you need to ensure that all appliances and flues are safe and have an up-to-date gas safety check record. A copy of this record needs to be given to tenants prior to moving in.

If you suspect that an appliance could have been tampered with, or there is the possibility of vandalism while a property remains empty, HSE recommends you arrange for another gas safety check to be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer before giving access to new tenants. When tenants vacate your premises, they may have removed appliances unsafely (eg leaving open-ended pipes, having shut off the emergency control valve), or left their own appliances in place. Landlords should take the opportunity to clarify appliance ownership prior to re-letting.

Appropriate checks should be carried out and any unsafe equipment rectified or removed before a new tenancy begins. It is also recommended that installation pipework be inspected and tested for soundness before property is re-let.

Landlords need to take account of any appliance left by a tenant (ie when a lease comes to an end) which the landlord decides to retain in the premises, ensuring that they are included in the annual checks and maintenance arrangements.

You are putting lives at risk and breaking the law. HSE gives gas safety a high priority and will take the appropriate action to ensure compliance with the regulations; this could result in a substantial fine and/or a custodial sentence.

Gas Safe Register has no control over engineers' charges. It is advised that you obtain quotes from three different engineers before hiring someone.

• If you suspect there is a gas leak you should immediately do the following:
• Call National Grid's Gas Emergency Freephone number: 0800 111 999
• Open all the doors and windows
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is)

It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The HSE website provides updated, accessible guidance for landlords to help them understand their duties under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. There is an accompanying Approved Code of Practice titled 'Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances'. This gives practical advice and guidance to those with responsibilities under the regulations.

Free leaflets explaining some of the main requirements of landlords, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and general gas safety information are available from HSE.

HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering advice on gas safety that is open between 9.00am and 5.30 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.

In addition to this, Gas Safe Register offer lots of advice and guidance to landlords.

All registered engineers under the new scheme must carry ID cards that identify the appliances on which they are qualified to work. Consumers are strongly encouraged to check the ID card before letting anyone begin work on their gas appliances.

If your engineer recommends that more work needs to be done on your appliance always follow the advice given. If you have doubts over the advice follow it in the interim period and contact Gas Safe Register website for further advice.

To help operate safely, all gas appliances need the following:

• an adequate supply of air to help the complete combustion of gas;
• efficient operation of their flue to remove any combustion products, including carbon monoxide (CO), that are produced

Without these safety precautions dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up with the possibility of fatal consequences. There are some easy ways to help avoid the build up of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• never block ventilation;
• ensure that flues are kept clear at all times;
• have your appliance regularly maintained and annually serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• The section on Landlords' responsibility for gas safety provides further information.

In relation to domestic gas under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR 98), a tenant is anyone who occupies a property under a lease that is shorter than 7 years or under a licence. Regardless of whether GSIUR 98 applies you may be considered a tenant under other related legislation.

Your landlord has duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all pipe work, appliances and flues, which they own and have provided for your use.

Your landlord must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. They must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.

The contract with the landlord or letting agent should allow access for any maintenance or safety check work that needs to be done. However, force is not to be used to to enter the property. Further information is provided in regulation 39 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

A landlord has to show that they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with the law. HSE recommends the following actions and strongly advises that a record be kept of all correspondence with the tenants:

• Leave the tenant a notice stating that an attempt was made to complete the gas safety check and provide their contact details.
• Write to the tenant explaining that a safety check is a legal requirement and that it is for the tenant's own safety. Give the tenant the opportunity to arrange their own appointment.
• HSE inspectors will look for repeated attempts to complete the gas safety check, including the above suggestions; however the approach will need to be appropriate to each circumstance. It would ultimately be for a court to decide if the action taken was reasonable depending upon the individual circumstances.

If your landlord uses an agent, the contract between them needs to clearly specify who is responsible for carrying out the maintenance and safety check duties, and keeping associated records. If the contract specifies that the agent has responsibility then the same duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 that apply to a landlord apply to the agent.

In this situation an agent must arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all pipework, appliances and flues, which the landlord owns and provides for the tenants use. They must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. They must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.

Remind your landlord of their legal duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to keep a record of the safety check for 2 years. They must also issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenant before they move in.

You may wish to write to your landlord requesting sight of the safety check record (see below specimen letter). If they still refuse to provide you with a copy you can make a complaint to HSE via form LGSR1 form LGSR1.

LGSR1 - Details of property with no record of a gas safety check

Specimen letter requesting a gas safety check or sight of the safety check record:

(Your address)
(Landlord's name)
(Landlord's address)
(date)

Dear (Landlord's name)

RE: (Address of Property being let)

As you are aware, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place duties on landlords. One of those duties is making sure that gas appliances and flues they own in the property which they let, are maintained in good order and checked for safety at least every twelve months. Landlords must also keep a record of the safety checks and issue these to their tenants.

Unfortunately to date, I have not been shown a copy of the safety check record carried out at the above property, which I now rent. Therefore I would be grateful if you could show me a copy of the safety check record for the above property within the next 10 days.

Yours sincerely

(Your name)

By law landlords must carry out an annual gas safety check and provide tenants with a copy of the record of that check. New tenants should receive a copy before they move in and existing tenants should get a copy within 28 days of the annual check being done you don't have a current gas safety record you can report to HSE via form LGSR1.

Yes. So long as the electronic copy:

• is capable of being reproduced in hard copy format when required (eg for the tenant/HSE/housing department)
• is secure from loss and interference
• uniquely identifies the gas operative who carried out the safety check, eg an electronic signature, a scanned signature, a payroll number unique to the operative, the name of the operative etc. The employer needs to have secure systems that link the individual operative to the unique identifier

A landlord, or gas engineer with the landlord's agreement, may send or give a copy of the electronic record directly to you, providing you are happy with this arrangement and have the ability to access it.

The gas safety check record is a record of the results of the checks carried out for the annual gas safety check. It should be issued on completion of the checks and not delayed even if concerns are found and or until necessary remedial action has been taken.

The record is a 'living document' and landlords should supplement it with records of any follow up action taken (if required). This would provide a full record of the gas safety within the property.

If your lease is for longer than seven years and is for life, the landlord is not responsible for gas safety checks and maintenance. But if there is an implied tenancy arrangement, such as accommodation is provided as part of a job (eg vicar, publican), landlords should continue to carry out their duties for maintenance and gas safety checks.

No, except that a contract may be drawn up between a landlord or tenant for an appliance or flue installed in a non-residential part of a premises, for example shops and public houses. A tenant has a duty not to use an appliance they believe to be dangerous. Further, a tenancy agreement, such as a full repairing and insuring lease, cannot be used to transfer these responsibilities to a tenant.

The original landlord remains responsible for gas safety checks. The landlord cannot transfer this responsibility to the tenant who is subletting. If the property is wholly sublet, the landlord's contract with the tenant must clearly allocate the responsibility for completing the gas safety check.

In the case of sublet accommodation, the 'original' landlord may retain duties which overlap with those acquired by the person who sublets. In these cases, dutyholders need to take effective steps (eg by close co-operation, and clear allocation of responsibilities under contractual arrangements) to ensure requirements are fully met.

However, licensors (ie 'subletters') of premises who are themselves tenants of those premises are not regarded as landlords in this context and do not have obligations under regulation 36. This means that a tenant allowing others to share accommodation in return for 'rent' does not acquire duties under the regulation; these remain with their landlord.

From 1st October 2022 the law changed in England and all relevant landlords must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). For more information visit the FAQ section of the explanatory booklet  published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. For information on the requirements in Scotland please visit Carbon monoxide alarms in private rented properties: guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) For guidance in Wales Housing | Topic | GOV.WALES

Yes. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations state that landlords must only use a Gas Safe registered engineer for maintenance and safety checks on gas equipment they own and provide for tenants use in domestic premises.

HSE advises that you check that the Gas Safe registered engineer is competent to work in that specific area of gas. This is clearly marked on the back of the engineer's Gas Safe Register registration card. If in any doubt, you can ring Gas Safe Register or check their website to see if the engineer is registered.

Check an engineer - are they Gas Safe registered?

Free-standing cookers connected by a flexible connector (bayonet fitting) are not considered to be 'readily movable', but can be moved, temporarily, eg to clean the space they normally occupy; this type of activity is not regarded as 'work' within the meaning of these Regulations.

Any other type of installation/reinstallation is regarded as gas work and must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you have provided an appliance for your own use then you are responsible to arrange its maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer . Your landlord does still have responsibilities for parts of the installation and pipework.

There are some measures that you could adopt for appliances that you own:

• Always notify your landlord well in advance if you are considering arranging for gas appliances to be installed/ replaced.
• Approach your landlord and ask for your appliance to be included (at reasonable cost) within the gas safety maintenance/check they arrange with a Gas Safe registered engineer
• At the start of the tenancy check with your landlord if there are any flues or chimneys that are unsuitable for the installation of a gas appliance.

If a gas appliance has been switched off by a Gas Safe registered engineer it is because it was unsafe and should not be used. No matter how inconvenient the situation is such action helps to ensure your safety. If a heating appliance has been disconnected then your landlord must provide you with emergency heating, for more information on this contact your local authority whilst arranging for appropriate remedial work by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Since 31 October 1998, any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should not contain the following types of gas appliances:

• a gas fire, gas space heater or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) over 14 kilowatts gross input unless it is room sealed
• a gas fire, gas space heater, or a gas water heater (including a gas boiler) of 14 kilowatts gross input or less or any instantaneous water heater unless it is room sealed or has an atmosphere-sensing device

If a room contains one or more of the above appliances and was used as a bedroom prior to 1998 your landlord will need to do a risk assessment to determine if it can still be used as a bedroom. If you are unsure of the safety of any gas appliance you should arrange with your landlord for a Gas Safe registered engineer to check it.

If your needs change it is advisable to speak to your landlord in the first instance to ensure that your gas safety is maintained.

Landlord duties for LPG appliances are the same as for natural gas. The landlord must arrange for maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all LPG appliances which they own and provide for tenants and have a Gas Safe registered engineer carry out a safety check at least once every 12 months.

In addition to maintenance, there are some further safety precautions to take with LPG heaters:

• be aware that cabinet heaters need a good supply of fresh air to burn properly so the room must be well ventilated
• ensure any heaters have an atmospheric sensing device- it will shut the appliance off if the air quality is poor
• ensure that the correct size and type of gas bottle is being used
• be aware that outdoor heaters and not designed for use indoors

You should allow access to the property to enable the gas maintenance visits and safety check to be undertaken, as it helps to keep you and your family safe. If you fail to provide access then there are further steps your landlord can take to gain access for the gas maintenance visits and safety check to be undertaken.

If there is a live gas supply to the rented premises a safety check will need to be carried out irrespective of whether a tenant uses gas. Access should be allowed by the tenant for these purposes.

If you suspect there is a gas leak you should immediately do the following:

• call National Grid's Gas Emergency freephone number: 0800 111 999
• open all the doors and windows
• shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is)

It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Free leaflets explaining some of the main requirements of landlords, under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and general gas safety information are available from HSE.

HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering advice on gas safety that is open between 9.00am and 5.30 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.

If your engineer recommends that more work needs to be done on your appliance always follow the advice given. If you have doubts over the advice follow it in the interim period and contact Gas Safe Register website for further advice.

To help operate safely, all gas appliances need the following:

• an adequate supply of air to help the complete combustion of gas
• efficient operation of their flue to remove any combustion products, including carbon monoxide (CO), that are produced

Without these safety precautions dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up with the possibility of fatal consequences. There are some easy ways to help avoid the build up of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• never block ventilation
• ensure that flues are kept clear at all times
• have your appliance regularly maintained and annually serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer

All Gas Safe registered engineers carry ID cards which tell you which appliances they are qualified to work on.

You can check that the engineer or the business is on the Gas Safe Register website.

Advice numbers to call include:

• Shelter's campaign for bed-sit rights 020 7505 2135
• Citizens Advice Bureau (local office)
• Shelterline 0808 800 4444
• Local Shelter housing aid centre

HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering information on gas safety that is open between 9.00am and 5 .30 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.  When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.

You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning. According to the HSE statistics every year around 7 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.

There are signs that you can look out for which indicate incomplete combustion is occurring and may result in the production of CO:

• yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame)
• soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
• pilot lights that frequently blow out
• increased condensation inside windows

There are a number of simple steps that gas consumers can take to keep themselves safe.

Carbon monoxide can be produced by any combustion appliance, including those that burn fossil fuels eg oil, wood and coal.  If you have one of these appliances you should make sure that it is serviced and maintained by a competent person and the chimney is regularly swept.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include:

• headaches or dizziness
• breathlessness
• nausea
• loss of consciousness
• tiredness
• pains in the chest or stomach
• erratic behaviour
• visual problems

For more information visit the NHS or telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should seek urgent medical advice from either your GP or an A&E department.

• Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999
• Switch off the appliance and shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room
• Visit your GP and tell him/her that you believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide

Higher quality

• Introduction High quality version, suitable for broadband connections
• Physiological mechanics High quality version, suitable for broadband connections
• Diagnosis of CO poisoning High quality version, suitable for broadband connections
• Investigations High quality version, suitable for broadband connections

Lower quality

• Introduction Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections
• Physiological mechanics Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections
• Diagnosis of CO poisoning Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections
• Investigations Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections

No. But you should ensure that anyone working on CNG refuelling facilities is trained and competent to carry out any work.

Where the installation is downstream of an isolation valve and which meet the following criteria:

1. form a system exclusively used for the compression of gas;
2. are primarily used to supply compressed gas to vehicles; and
3. incorporate one or more gas compressors having an electric motor input power rating exceeding 5 kilowatts,

are exempt from the requirements of most of the regulations. This amendment was introduced by The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 and brings these sites in line with other industrial premises.

For further information see Regulation 2(4)(g).