Private rented property standards guidance
Gas safety
It is a requirement for the landlords of all properties to have any gas boiler and appliance tested on a 12-monthly basis. The gas safety check and all repair work to any gas appliance must be conducted by a recognised engineer.
A recognised engineer means an engineer approved and registered under Regulation 3 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Gas Safe Register - The Official List of Gas Safe Registered Businesses (opens new window)
Note that an installation certificate is not sufficient, and a gas safety check must be carried out and certified after an installation.
The test certificates issued must be retained by the landlord for a minimum period of two years. Whereas, licensed properties, the licence holder must retain all gas safety certificates issued throughout the entire duration of their licence.
A copy of the gas safety certificate must also be issued to the tenants of the property at the beginning of their tenancy and whenever the certificate is renewed or updated.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Every dwelling must have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installed any room in the house which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a fixed combustion appliance (other than a gas cooker.) If another fixed combustion appliance is located within the same room as the gas cooker the CO alarm must still be fitted in a suitable location, following the manufacturers installation instructions.
The carbon monoxide alarm must be kept in proper working order and tested on the first day of any new tenancy and on regular intervals thereafter.
The regular testing as required by Licence Condition 4d must be done on the day of any new tenancy and as a minimum the council would expect testing to coincide with your property inspection (minimum every six months) as required and in accordance with Licence Condition 10f. A record must be kept of the tests and when these were carried out
Gas meter
Where gas is supplied to the dwelling, separate gas meters must be provided for each home. The meter must be accessible and the gas safety shut-off valve in full working order and easy to access. These must never be located behind large appliances or furniture which would hinder access.
Where meters are housed in a cupboard these should be kept clear enough to assist with taking meter readings and should be readily accessible to locate and access to any supply cut off lever/switch.
Tenants must be reminded of this requirement and a record made of any issues with access to the meter due to tenants' behaviour.
External meter housing must be in good condition with a lockable door/hatch. Tenants must be provided with a meter housing access key to allow access for meter readings, unless a smart meter that allows automated readings is fitted.