COVID-19: HSE guidance for landlords on gas safety checks
Note: This information is intended to inform landlords: gas engineers are not responsible for landlords’ gas safety record checks being in place.
The HSE has provided a wealth of new information for landlords, including a variety of scenarios that may help provide some clarity for those concerned for their wellbeing or the wellbeing of their customers.
Landlords have a duty of care to their tenants. This is a legal duty to repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in a safe condition, to ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue, and to keep a record of each safety check. During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, there is a balance between ensuring people, including the vulnerable, are protected from possibly fatal risks arising from CO exposure or gas explosion, while doing what we can to protect people from COVID-19.
Current guidance from HM Government states that work can still be carried out in people’s homes where necessary, eg, for reasons of safety, provided that the GOV.UK guidance on social distancing is followed. See ‘Advice for engineers’ for guidance for engineers and their employers regarding working in peoples’ homes.
The law is flexible and where it is not possible to carry out a gas safety check, it will normally be enough to show that you took reasonable steps to do so. In the event you are unable to gain access to the property, eg, refusal of access due to tenants self-isolating, or if you are unable to engage a registered gas engineer to carry out the work due to a shortage of available engineers, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to comply with the law. This should include records of communication with the tenant and details of your engineers attempts to gain access. You should seek to arrange the safety check as soon as all parties are available.
Landlords should not suspend all gas safety checks at this time as it will unnecessarily put tenants at increased risk, particularly as people are spending most, and in some cases, all of their time at home. Each property should be considered on a case-by-case basis, completing safety checks where tenants permit access and gas engineers are available. If you are unable to secure the services of your usual engineers, you must make reasonable attempts to obtain alternative services. Where you cannot and resource has to be prioritised you can do so, taking into account factors such as (this list is not exhaustive):
- The age and type of appliances
- Previous maintenance/work carried out
- Breakdown history
- The presence of CO alarms, and
- Whether the tenant is considered vulnerable for reasons other than risk from COVID-19.
The HSE has provided several example scenarios are to help landlords understand what may be considered reasonable steps to take, to demonstrate compliance with their duties to have appliances checked annually during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The list is not exhaustive and landlords must assess the risks for each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Scenario 1 – Vulnerable person
Scenario 4 – Tenant with a family that are socially distancing
- See also Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Landlords and Tenants.
