A legally binding document, a gas safety certificate (also called a C12 Certificate) verifies that gas appliances and their fittings, flues and chimneys in properties are safe for use. The certificate can only be issued by a registered Gas Safe engineer after an inspection.

Those who let a property with gas appliances in North Wales have legal responsibilities to the people who live in them. This obligation extends to residential buildings available to rent from the housing association, local authority, housing cooperative and private landlords.

It also covers private households, bedsits, bed and breakfast businesses and hotels in North Wales, along with a wide range of holiday accommodation rentals like cottages, caravans, chalets, flats and even canal boats.

Understanding landlord gas safety responsibilities

The UK’s 1988 Gas Safety Regulations cover installation and use and outline a landlord’s duty to ensure that gas appliances (including flues and fittings) supplied for tenant use are safe. There are three critical rules to follow and these relate to maintenance, gas safety checks and an up-to-date gas safety certificate.

Maintenance

All gas appliances and pipework, including flues, must be professionally maintained and be in safe condition. Appliances should receive service in line with their manufacturer’s instructions. When instructions are no longer available, landlords are recommended to annually service appliances unless they are advised otherwise by a registered Gas Safe engineer.

Safety checks

Every 12 months, a gas safety check is required for every gas appliance (including flue). This critical safety check will ensure all gas appliances and their fittings are safe for use.

Gas safety certificate

After every annual gas safety check, landlords must provide their tenants with a gas safety certificate. The document should be given to them within 28 days of the gas safety check. New tenants should receive a certificate before they move in, and landlords must keep copies of the certificate on record for up to two years.

While a tenant operating a gas appliance of their own means landlords are not responsible for its maintenance, gas pipework still falls within their area of responsibility.

Is your gas safety certificate in North Wales still valid?

At Xgas, our highly trained team are all Gas Safe registered engineers and can complete checks, necessary maintenance and issue certificates. Based in Wrexham, we’re well-placed when you need a gas safety certificate for landlords in North Wales. Contact us today to find out more.