Gas safety - FAQs - Letting agents

Q. What if I ignore the regulations ?

A. You are putting lives at risk and breaking the law. The HSE gives gas safety a high priority and will take the appropriate action to ensure compliance with the regulations. In certain circumstances this could result in a substantial fine and/or a custodial sentence.

Q. Can I use a handyman or plumber for gas work ?

A. A CORGI registered Engineer with the required competence to do the particular work should always be used. By law (a) anyone (whether an employer or self-employed) running a business, e.g. a plumber, who carries out work on a gas appliance/fitting must be CORGI registered, and (b) any individual doing gas work must be competent to do it safely. DIY gas work could be dangerous and is likely to be illegal. Landlords must use only a registered Engineer for maintenance and safety checks on gas equipment provided for tenants use.

Q. How can I ensure an Engineer is CORGI registered ?

A. CORGI registered Engineers should have a current CORGI identity card on which is an expiry date and details of the appliances they are competent to work on. If in any doubt you can ring CORGI or check on their web site to see if an Engineer is registered.

Q. What should I do if the Engineer is not CORGI registered and/or has falsely claimed they are CORGI registered ?

A. It is against the law for a non-registered Engineer to do any work on gas appliances and/or flues. Phone your local HSE area office or CORGI.

Q. I have LPG heaters in the properties - do I need them checked ?

A. Yes, landlord duties for LPG appliances are the same as for natural gas. The landlord must maintain all LPG appliances which they provide for tenants and have a safety check carried out at least once every 12 months by a CORGI registered Engineer.