Everything You Should Know About Landlord Gas Safety Checks

If you rent out a property that uses gas appliances, it's your responsibility to ensure these are kept safe. That means you'll need to arrange for gas safety checks to be carried out by qualified professionals as necessary. Failing to do this may put you at risk of legal trouble or, worse, pose a serious safety risk to your tenants. 

With that in mind, if you're a new landlord or you're only now renting out a property with gas appliances, here's everything you should know about landlord gas safety checks. 

What do Gas Safety Checks Cover?

Before we discuss scheduling, let's start by examining exactly what landlord safety checks encompass. 

Any gas-powered appliances in your property need to be assessed during a safety check. That includes furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces that use gas, along with any gas lines and vents in your property. The purpose of a safety check is to determine that everything is working correctly and that there's no risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure. 

You'll need a professional plumber, such as the team at Military Plumbing, to conduct your inspection. It's essential to find a qualified professional with the necessary knowledge and experience to perform all checks competently. 

How Often Should You Schedule a Gas Safety Check?

In the U.S., there's no national rule for how often you should schedule a gas safety check. You'll need to follow your own state and local codes, which vary depending on the property location. Some might require you to schedule yearly inspections for multi-family housing, while others may only enforce checks if you have a new tenant moving in or you're upgrading appliances. 

Colorado Rental Owner? Need Help with Safety & Compliance?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

A good rule of thumb is to schedule a gas safety check at least once a year for your peace of mind and the safety of your tenant. However, if your tenant smells gas or their gas bills have increased without explanation, you may need to arrange for a check sooner. 

What Happens During an Inspection?

During a gas safety inspection, the technician will test each gas-using appliance and check the pressure in the gas lines. They'll also check that any vents are clear and make sure the carbon monoxide detectors are working. 

Once the check is complete, the technician may offer you a report (if not, you can ask for one for your reference). They'll also let you know if anything has failed the checks and will need to be repaired or replaced. 

Takeaway

Keeping your property's gas appliances in good working order is essential to avoid fines and stay legally compliant, but it also protects the lives of people. 

Read up on the dangers of faulty gas appliances if you're not already aware. If something is leaking gas or carbon monoxide, it can cause an explosion or put your tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Your tenants rely on you to keep their homes safe, and one of the easiest ways to meet that responsibility is with an annual gas safety check.

Related Articles

• Home Safety Checklist Before Moving Into a New House
• How to Keep a Residential Block Running Smoothly: 5 Key Responsibilities Every Property Manager Should Prioritize
• Emergency Plumbing Solutions: Fast Response When You Need It Most