New gas cooker leak

coldblue

After getting the keys to our new rental property and finding there was no cooker and complaining, a new cooker was delivered at the beginning of the week. We took some stuff round last night and the second the door was opened we got a strong smell of gas. It turns out the landlord got his 'handyman' to fit the new the cooker and he didnt use teflon tape on the pipe leading to a gas leak. The problem is now sorted. Considering this could have been potentially fatal what action would you take? Oh and until two days ago none of the windows could be opened as they were all locked with no keys, all but one window have now been unlocked but we still have no keys.

Lavendyr

Do you have an up to date gas safety certificate from the landlord?

theartfullodger

write to Landlord with list of problems, old & current, keep a copy, invite him to advise you what he will be doing.

Mention HHSRS (see..

http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/rentingandletting/housinghealth/
)

If he doesn't come back in a week or so with a sensible plan write again & say you reaally don't want to involve the local council in an HHSRS inspection & can't he sort things out?? But beware he may not want to renew your tenancy or give a good reference..

Re. Fire, herewith guidance given to Landlords

..

24 FIRE
Includes threats from accidental (as opposed to arson) uncontrolled fire/associated
smoke.
Health effects
More than 400 people die each year as a result of accidental fires and more than
11,000 are injured. As well as burns, deaths can be caused by gas, smoke or
possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Causes
Occupiers’ reactions on discovering fire can possibly influence escape from fire, but
factors in the cause of fire can include:
• Sources of ignition (cooking appliances/space heaters/electrical equipment);
• Solid fuel as main fuel leads to a higher likelihood of fire though with a lower
fatality rate than from gas/electric space heaters;
• Electrical distribution equipment in poor condition; and
• Nature of harm influenced by presence/absence of automatic fire
detection/alarm systems.
Preventive measures that could have an affect on likelihood and harm
outcomes:
• Safe siting for cookers, away from flammable materials;
• Properly designed/installed/serviced/maintained space heating;
• Sufficient/appropriately sited electric socket outlets;
• Properly installed/maintained/regularly checked and tested distribution board
and wiring;
• Residual Current Devices;
• Fire and smoke permeable resistant materials in design of the building where
possible;
• Fire stops to cavities including ventilation and heating systems;
• Design and construction of the building to limit the spread of fire/smoke;
• Properly constructed/fitted internal doors with self closers where appropriate;
• Furniture to comply with current regulations (currently the Furniture and
Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended) in furnished
accommodation;
• Detectors/smoke alarms properly designed/sited/maintained/regularly tested;
• Appropriately sited extinguishers and fire blankets (especially kitchen); and
• Means of escape from all parts of dwelling/building, e.g. openable door
window/protected staircase etc./depending on height of building.
What about HMOs?
• More fires occur in flats than houses;
• Dwellings constructed after 1980 have a lower likelihood of fire;
• Dwellings constructed before 1920 have greatest likelihood of death/injury from
fire;
• Risk increases with height/number of stores so:
• Adequate means of escape needed between each dwelling;
• Need for suitable interconnected fire detection/alarm system/emergency; and
• Emergency lighting and sprinkler systems etc.
Hazard assessment – considers
• Likelihood of a fire starting;
• The chances of its detection and its speed of spreading; and
• Ease and means of escape.
For HMOs – assessment takes account of
• Type/size of the building;
• Number of different dwellings;
• Each individual unit;
• Degree of fire separation between each dwelling; and
• Effectiveness/presence of detection/alarm systems/primary fire fighting
equipment such as sprinkler systems.

NB Anyone fitting any Gas device MUST be Gas safety registered. Ask LL for his "mate"'s gas safety registration number...



Re. on window locks... clearly you need the keys (to lock & unlock) but this is an interesting example of a risk. Punters need way of escape (so need to to be able to open) but punters need way to stop wee kids from falling out (need way of locking...)

If LL doesn't behave contact Local council - usually environment health - and ask if you need an HHSRS inspection... eg
http://www.slough.gov.uk/services/10766.aspx

Cheers!


:Lodger (Landlord since 2000)

coldblue

Thanks for the rreplies.
We only got the keys to the property last week (renting through agency), havent got a copy of the contract yet which Ive complained about so dont have LLs address yet. We were given a saftey inspection form from February of this year when we signed the contract.
I dont think the guy who fitted the cooker was registered but will ask for his registration number. If it turns out he isnt registered what action would you advice because fitting gas appliances without being registered in illegal?

theartfullodger

havent got a copy of the contract yet which Ive complained about so dont have LLs address yet.

Keep pressing for your copy of contract.

Re. not having LL address a couple of interesting points....

a) Landlord & Tenancy Act 1987, Section 48

Landlords must supply their tenants with an address upon which notices can be served.
Rent is not legally collectable without this.
The address does not need to be that of the landlord, but must be in England & Wales (assuming that's where you live)

b)Some landlords prefer to deal through agents and remain anonymous as far as their tenants are concerned. However, under the provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, tenants of dwellings in England & Wales, who make a written request to an agent, have a right to the landlord's name and address. This information must be supplied within 21 days. The legislation refers only to the landlord's name and address, not his telephone number or any other form of contact details.

Cheers!

Lodger

tbs624

coldblue wrote: »

I dont think the guy who fitted the cooker was registered but will ask for his registration number. If it turns out he isnt registered what action would you advice because fitting gas appliances without being registered in illegal?

Have a look at the Gas Safe website or call their helpline on 0800 408 5500 to check this workman out. See their "Report an illegal gas fitter" section here link

Agree with Artfull that you should get the contact info for the LL.

Also talk to Env Health Officer/ Tenancy Relations Officer (Private Sector Rentals)at your local Council.

Put it all in writing to the LA and keep a copy. Ask the LL specifically for a copy of your contract - you are entitled, at the very least, to be given the basic terms of your tenancy agreement and this has to be provided to you within *28* days of you asking for it.

In the meantime get yourself an audible carbon monoxide detector.

coldblue

Thanks for the replies. The contract arrived today so now have the landlords address. I shall be asking the name of the guy who 'fitted' the oven. My housemate will be going in to speak to the agents next week as well. Since the gas engineer sent by the agents came out everything seems fine in the house. Im still undecided on what action to take over the matter though.