New ‘MOT’ style gas safety checks give landlords more flexibility

Change to gas safety regulations comes in to effect today

From today, 6th April 2018, landlords have more flexibility in when they can arrange for gas safety checks for their rental properties. The new ‘MOT’ style checks mean a Gas Safe engineer can carry out the inspection up to  two months before the due date. The certificate  will still retain the existing expiry date.

Previously, landlords faced problems, such as having to arrange access for a Gas Safe engineer, with only a small window of opportunity to carry out the inspection.

The change in the rules do not affect landlords’ legal obligations.

These ensure that landlords:

• Maintain and regularly service pipework, appliances and chimney/flues at the property, using a Gas Safe registered enginneer
• Arrange an annual gas safety check on each gas appliance/flue to ensure appliances and fittings are safe to use
• Provide new tenants with a valid and up-to-date certificate before the beginning of the tenancy, and existing tenants 28 days after the inspection.

Managing Director, Patrick Garratt, has fleshed out the new gas safety regulations, here.

If you are a current client and would like more information about how we manage your gas safety compliance, please speak to your account manager. Not a current client? Speak to one of the team about how you can save time and reduce worry when we look after your property and tenants for you.