Landlord Gas Gas Safety Certificate and knackered oven

Riggyman

So, my partner rents out her old house. Yesterday the annual Gas Safety inspection was undertaken at the property. We found out today, via the tenant, that the free standing gas oven wouldn't operate when tested and has been disconnected and capped off (I presume the gas feed to the oven, not the oven).

The tenant naturally wants a replacement oven and has already complained about not being able to afford to take her children out to eat all the time. First thing we did was offer to buy them a microwave as a temporary measure, but they already have one and said that their children don't like microwaved food.

My question to you guys is how would you have reacted and what course of action would you take?

Also, hypothetically, what if a tenant refused to accommodate a Gas Safety Inspection? And has changed the locks as per (some) of the advice on this forum? Would you have to gain a court order for access? And would there be repercussions if this lack of access meant it was more that twelve months since the last inspection?

For the record, we've ordered a new a new oven from a well known on-line retailer, it should be delivered on Friday and then fitted by the same company who carried out the original Gas Safety Inspection.

ognum

I think if the oven failed on Monday and the new one is being deliver and will be working on Friday then you have done the best you can.

There are other ways to cook than oven or microwave, they can use the hob, grill or toaster. Four days is not excessive.

As for you other hypothetical question, the LL will need to make an appointment with the tenant for the gas safe testing.

Miss_Samantha

How would an owner-occupier cope? They'd eat cold, use the microwave oven, order take away, go buy a cheap portable electric hob.

I think you have done all you could. Don't offer anything more.

If the tenant had changed the locks you may indeed have had to get a court injunction, at their cost, to get in and have the check carried out.

It is strange that the oven did not work just on the day of the gas check and that the tenant never reported any issue, if you ask me.

Riggyman

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

How would an owner-occupier cope? They'd eat cold, use the microwave oven, order take away, go buy a cheap electric hob.

I think you have done all you could. Don't offer anything more.

If the tenant had changed the locks you may indeed have to get a court injunction to get in and have the check carried out, at their cost.

It is strange that the oven did not work just on the day of the gas check and that the tenant never reported any issue, if you ask me.

To be honest, I get the impression that the tenant had endured some problems with the oven, but hadn't reported them. Equally to be honest, the oven is ancient and I'm not surprised it failed.

Prothet_of_Doom

I think that any Tenant should be VERY happy that their Landlord gets notification that the Oven is broken on Wednesday, and by Friday they have a new one fitted.
Most Landlords would take a lot longer, or get it repaired or get a second hand one.
I take it you were not present at the inspection with the gas technician ? Not sure that you should be, but I've arranged a Gas Boiler Service and Safety check of of boiler and cooker on Friday at a time that I can be present. Just in case.

If my tenant had a broken gas cooker, I'd do exactly what you have done. Get a new one as fast as possible and point out what a great landlord they have.

G_M

agree with others above.

Cakeguts

An owner occupier would not be able to replace an oven any quicker so the tenant has got nothing to complain about over this. It is as quick as it can by done. The fact that they have fussy children is not your fault. Those children are going to have a problem if they don't like microwave food. What are they going to do on a 12 hour flight?

Riggyman

Cakeguts wrote: »

An owner occupier would not be able to replace an oven any quicker so the tenant has got nothing to complain about over this. It is as quick as it can by done. The fact that they have fussy children is not your fault. Those children are going to have a problem if they don't like microwave food. What are they going to do on a 12 hour flight?

I don't disagree, fussy children was quite amusing. What would have happened if they'd refused access for the annual Gas Safe Inspection? Just curious.

tealady

If the tenants haven't told you about problems with a gas cooker what else haven't they told you about? Might be worth arranging an inspection.

FBaby

If they had refused, and you have evidence that they did despite reasonable attempts to arrange it, you can enter yourself to make sure it is carried out -and better to warn them-.

If they have changed the locks and refuse entry, you would be most likely protected in court as you could show that you have done everything in your powers to carry out what is a safety check for their benefit.

Making such a fuss because they can't use an oven for 4 days is quite alarming. Are they good tenants otherwise? That screams of entitlement attitude to me.

davidmcn

Cakeguts wrote: »

Those children are going to have a problem if they don't like microwave food. What are they going to do on a 12 hour flight?

They'll probably manage quite well, given that planes typically use convection ovens (those foil trays don't work too well in microwaves...).