Maintenance - gas pipework

The requirement for landlords to provide domestic gas maintenance is distinct from the requirement for keeping gas safety records.

For more information see Regulation (36)(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998[1]

You must ensure that pipework is maintained in a safe condition. This will normally involve a programme of regular inspections, and any necessary repairs.

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.

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 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.

Installation pipework is not covered by the annual gas safety check. But we recommend that when you request a safety check, you ask your Gas Safe registered engineer[2] to:

  • test for soundness on the whole gas system, including installation pipework
  • visually examine the pipework (as far as is reasonably practicable)

You should also ask your Gas Safe registered engineer[3] to examine the installation pipework if there is any damage, for example if the tenant reports a suspected gas leak.

When tenants vacate your premises, it is good practice to ask your engineer to inspect and test the pipework.

All maintenance checks and repairs must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer[4].

There are no formal requirements for you to keep maintenance records. But you will need to be able to show that you have regularly maintained the pipework and completed required repairs. You do not have to provide records for tenants.

Landlords are responsible for repairs required as a result of general wear and tear.

Your tenancy agreement should make it clear who is responsible for repairs if a tenant causes damage to pipework.

Nominate the work of your Gas Safe Engineer for inspection[5]

Further information

Landlords and gas safety FAQs[6]

Link URLs in this page

  1. Regulation (36)(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l56.htm
  2. Gas Safe registered engineerhttp://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
  3. Gas Safe registered engineerhttp://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
  4. Gas Safe registered engineerhttp://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
  5. Nominate the work of your Gas Safe Engineer for inspectionhttps://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/gas-safety-in-the-home/having-a-new-appliance-fitted/nominate-your-appliances-for-inspection/nominate-gas-work/
  6. Landlords and gas safety FAQshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/faqlandlord.htm
  7. Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances L56https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l56.htm
  8. Landlords: A guide to landlords' duties Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 - INDG285https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg285.htm
  9. Gas Safe Register: information for landlords and tenantshttps://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/gas-safety-certificates-records/
  10. Landlords and gas safety FAQshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/faqlandlord.htm
  11. Gas Safe Register sitehttp://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
  12. Report a dangerous appliancehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm
  13. Gas safety statisticshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/tables/index.htm#riddor
  14. Safety bulletinhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/index.htm

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2024-10-15