What happens at a gas safety check and why | Tenant news

As your landlord, we'll carry out a gas safety check each year to make sure your home is safe.

Gas appliances help keep our homes warm and provide hot water and cooking facilities, but they must be checked regularly to ensure they’re working safely and efficiently.

Why checks happen

Gas safety checks are a legal requirement for landlords and housing providers in the UK.

They must be carried out every 12 months by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure that gas appliances and pipework are safe to use.

These checks cover any gas appliances provided in your home, such as boilers, gas fires and cookers, as well as the pipework and flues connected to them. The aim is to spot problems early and prevent risks like gas leaks.

Regular inspections help keep you, your household and your neighbours safe. They also make sure appliances are running properly and efficiently.

What the engineer checks

During the visit, the engineer will carefully inspect your gas appliances and systems. This usually includes checking the boiler, gas pipes, flues and ventilation to make sure everything is working safely.

They will look for signs of gas leaks, confirm that appliances are burning gas correctly, and check that harmful gases like carbon monoxide are being safely carried away from the property.

Safety devices, such as flame failure systems and thermostats, will be tested to make sure they will automatically shut off the gas if something goes wrong.

The engineer will also check that safety devices are functioning correctly and that the appliances are installed in line with safety standards.

After the inspection, a record or gas safety certificate will be issued, noting the condition of each appliance and recommending any repairs or maintenance if needed.

If a problem is found

If the engineer identifies something that could be unsafe, they will take steps to make it safe straight away. This might include turning off or disconnecting an appliance until repairs can be carried out.

While this can be inconvenient, it’s done to protect everyone in the home. Our repairs team will arrange any necessary repairs as quickly as possible so your heating and hot water can be restored safely.

What tenants can do

You can play an important role in keeping your home safe too. Make sure you allow access for your annual gas safety check when it is scheduled.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for warning signs between visits. These can include unusual smells, pilot lights that keep going out, or appliances that aren’t working as expected.

If you ever smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a leak in your home, leave the property and phone the National Gas Emergencies number immediately on 0800 111 999. Follow the adviser’s instructions and wait outside for a gas engineer.

For routine or urgent repairs, contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct at 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk.

To learn more about gas safety checks and how we keep your home safe, visit
www.habinteg.org.uk/gas.

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