On the 6th of April, a new law passed in respect of the timing of gas safety certificates. A gas safety certificate can be carried out up to two months before the expiry date without the renewal date changing. Therefore, it gives more leeway for landlords and plumbers, particularly when managing Landlord gas safety certificates. Additionally, it allows checks to be completed up to two months before the end of the current certificate period, which typically lasts 12 months.
Before, records needed to be retained for at least 2 years. However, now the amending regulations state that you must keep the last two records as a minimum. This is legally required to ensure compliance and proper documentation.
However, this is a very subtle difference. Theoretically, gas safety record completion could be up to 14 months after being due. If it were left as only two years, there could be a situation where only one record needed retaining. The change fixes this potential problem and reinforces what is legally required for record keeping.
The new rules do not change the landlord’s obligation to carry out a gas safety check, which remains legally required every 12 months. Landlords now simply have more flexibility offered by the rules when arranging inspections with a Gas safe registered professional. For a broader overview of landlord obligations, see Landlord Responsibilities guide.
What is a gas safety check?
Do you know what it actually covers? A gas safety check must always be completed by a Registered engineer who is fully Gas safe registered, ensuring all work meets safety standards that are legally required. As highlighted in this compliance checklist for landlords, these checks form a key part of staying compliant.
It covers the following:
- Firstly, check with the occupant to determine if there are any problems with the gas installation/appliance.
- Secondly, check that all gas appliances have an adequate supply of air.
- Thirdly, ensure the effective operation of an appliance, control taps, ignition systems, and any supervision device fitted.
- Inspect the flame picture of any burner.
- Check clearances for combustible materials e.g. kitchen cupboards.
- Ensure the stability of the appliance (including brackets, hooks, and chains on gas cookers).
- Inspect the gas installation pipework and, where applicable, any flexible connections.
Open flues:
- Check the condition and full route of the flue. Where applicable, ensure any terminal/chimney pot is suitable.
- Inspect the appliance connection to any flue liner or chimney. In the case of a back boiler, check seals of all pipe ducts and voids entering the building.
- Perform a flue flow check.
- For a gas fire, inspect it and clear the catchment space, ensuring dampers are removed or fixed open.
- Using manufacturer guidance, test the appliance for spillage.
Room sealed appliances:
- Inspect case and site glass seal; replace if necessary.
- Check the position of the terminal, including clearances for corners and vegetation.
- Ensure the terminal guide is fitted correctly.
- Check operating pressure or heat input rate, ensuring both are correct where required.
- Test all controls for satisfactory operation.
- Test all disturbed gas connections for tightness using leak detection fluid and carry out a full gas tightness test if necessary.
- Lastly, inform the gas user of any further work required or make recommendations as needed.
All checks contributing to Landlord gas safety certificates must be completed by a Registered engineer who is also Gas safe registered, ensuring compliance over each 12 months certification period. Annual checks are a core part of landlord compliance, as explained in this compliance overview article.
Complex cases
If a wall or ceiling hides the chimney/flue preventing inspection, an inspection hatch should be fitted. Gas safety guidance states the chimney/flue must be classified as a risk if it cannot be inspected. In such situations, a Registered engineer should advise on the next steps to maintain valid Landlord gas safety certificates.
Gas safety is just one part of wider landlord compliance. Issues such as damp, mould, and fire safety are also legally required responsibilities—read more in this damp and mould guidance article and fire risk assessment requirements.
Therefore, don’t hesitate to keep yourself updated with other law changes. Our monthly newsletter contains all our new articles—register on our website to stay up to date with everything that is legally required for landlords and gas safety compliance.
