Landlords might get into the buy-to-let business to make money, but when renting out a flat or apartment, they become responsible for tenants’ health and safety while in their property.
Therefore, it should be their number one priority to ensure their asset meets safety standards, and is well maintained so it does not pose a health risk to their tenants.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), landlords are legally obliged to repair and maintain gas pipework and appliances, have gas safety checks on an annual basis, and keep a record of each inspection.
Gas safety checks need to be conducted every 12 months on each gas appliance, fittings and flues.
Where maintenance work or repairs are required by a registered engineer, these have to be carried out promptly.
Landlords should also make sure these checks have been carried out less than a year before a new tenant moves in.
Additionally, gas safety checks need to be conducted within a year of a new appliance or flue being fitted in the premises.
A copy of each inspection needs to be provided to the tenant within a month of happening or given to a new tenant when they move in. Records should be kept safe for at least two years.
Even if the landlord knows the tenant well, the responsibility for getting gas safety checks cannot be passed on to them.
However, property owners who use letting agents to manage their assets might be able to delegate this job to them, depending on the contract specifications.