Gas safety checks in rented properties

Bengal_tiger

I moved into the flat I rented last year and am concerned about the safety of the gas appliances as I've often felt a bit weak and drowsy while I've been in here. I've recently also noticed the gas cooker has some orange mixed in with the mostly-blue flames, which I've heard could be a sign it's not burning all the gas properly. I did get a copy of the gas safety certificate from the agent when I moved in, which was dated and signed the day before the start of my tenancy. The safety checks are only meant to be annual so it wouldn't be due for another one until next month. Having said that are these certificates meant to show ALL gas appliances because mine only shows the boiler, and not the cooker. The certificate also states that flues have been "inspected visually and checked for satisfactory evacuation of products of combustion but a detailed inspection of the flue inspection, lining and integrity has NOT been carried out".

I'm moving soon and have handed in my notice to my landlady so I don't suppose it is worth querying this now, but I am wondering how dodgy this sounds and if there is any way of safeguarding myself in future. The cooker at the new place looks older than this one, so I think I'll definitely be asking for a copy of the gas safety certificate before I move in there, especially as I couldn't see any smoke alarms or Carbon Monoxide detectors (I will probably have to buy my own!).

poppysarah

Get a carbon monoxide alarm.

NOW.

concerned43

The gas safety certificate is to check ALL gas appliences, as the previous OP said get an alarm and if it does show anything get in touch with you LL.

N79

Bengal_tiger wrote: »

I moved into the flat I rented last year and am concerned about the safety of the gas appliances as I've often felt a bit weak and drowsy while I've been in here. I've recently also noticed the gas cooker has some orange mixed in with the mostly-blue flames, which I've heard could be a sign it's not burning all the gas properly. I did get a copy of the gas safety certificate from the agent when I moved in, which was dated and signed the day before the start of my tenancy. The safety checks are only meant to be annual so it wouldn't be due for another one yet.

If you think a fault has developed then tell your LL. They probably don't have crystal ball fault finding ability! Is there any reason to suppose that they won't have someone check out the appliance? You could also by a carbon monoxide meter if you have concerns.

Having said that are these certificates meant to show ALL gas appliances because mine only shows the boiler, and not the cooker.

It should show all. Are you sure that the cooker is missing as it would be a very dumb gas inspector who misses a gas cooker. Edit: There could be a separate certificate for the cooker. Have you asked your LL for it?

The certificate also states that flues have been "inspected visually and checked for satisfactory evacuation of products of combustion but a detailed inspection of the flue inspection, lining and integrity has NOT been carried out".

If the certificate was issued then all necessary checks were carried out. Not all types of appliance need all types of check.

I'm also moving soon and have handed in my notice so I don't suppose it is worth querying this now, but I am wondering how dodgy this sounds and if there is any way of safeguarding myself in future. The cooker at the new place looks older than this one, so I think I'll definitely be asking for a gas safety certificate, especially as I couldn't see any smoke alarms or Carbon Monoxide detectors there.

Get a detector if you want one. To be honest it does not sound very dodgy at all and if you have never expressed your concerns to the LL then they have not been able to try to investigate the problem. In the future report all repair issues or concerns to your LL in writing as soon as you become aware of them.

Bengal_tiger

I'm positive the cooker hasn't been listed on the safety certificate. It made me wonder if it was even a genuine certificate, so I rang the Gas Safe Register to check the number of the business and they had it listed but the automated system didn't confirm the name of the business. I think this landlady has been trying to cut costs in more ways than one, so I can't really trust her to get anyone reputable to look at it.

There is a carbon monoxide alarm here but it has never gone off, and I've tested it to check that it works. So at least she provided one, which is more than the landlord of the place I'm looking at now. I might buy a new alarm to be on the safe side as this one looks like an ancient model and I could then set it up at the new place when I move.

Is there anything else I should be doing?

tbs624

Bengal_tiger wrote: »

I'm moving soon and have handed in my notice to my landlady so I don't suppose it is worth querying this now, but I am wondering how dodgy this sounds and if there is any way of safeguarding myself in future. The cooker at the new place looks older than this one, so I think I'll definitely be asking for a copy of the gas safety certificate before I move in there, especially as I couldn't see any smoke alarms or Carbon Monoxide detectors (I will probably have to buy my own!).

LLs are legally obliged to let a T have sight of a current GSC before they sign up for a tenancy.If you buy a Co detector, make sure its an audible one. If there is a problem, by the time the other sort have changed colour you may be too "out of it" to have noticed.

On your current tenancy, if you have concerns about any gas safety issue you should still let your L know, in writing, as N79 says. All appliances should be covered under a property's GSC, but even for those that *are* already covered, it is not unknown for problems to arise before the next check falls due. Just get the letter done & agree a mutually convenient time for the HE to call.

If you have difficulty getting a LL to act then the Council's private sector rentals team or EHO will be able to assist.Complying with the gas regs is not optional - LLs can be prosecuted for failing to meet their obligations.

N79

Bengal_tiger wrote: »

I'm positive the cooker hasn't been listed on the safety certificate. It made me wonder if it was even a genuine certificate, so I rang the Gas Safe Register to check the number of the business and they had it listed but the automated system didn't confirm the name of the business. I think this landlady has been trying to cut costs in more ways than one, so I can't really trust her to get anyone reputable to look at it.

If you are sure that it is not on that certificate then there is probably a separate certificate for the cooker which has been lost (well the T copy lost anyway). Have you asked to see a copy of the certificate for the cooker? Faking a certificate would be an extreme action really and is a serious allegation.

There is a carbon monoxide alarm here but it has never gone off, and I've tested it to check that it works. So at least she provided one, which is more than the landlord of the place I'm looking at now.

This does not really square with your view of your LL as a total cheapskate who will cut dangerous corners to save a few pence, does it?

I might buy a new alarm to be on the safe side as this one looks like an ancient model and I could then set it up at the new place when I move.

It is always good to take responsibility for your safety.