09/09/2026
Private landlords - are you on the right side of the law?
Many private landlords aren't aware that they have a legal responsibility to make sure that gas fittings and appliances are safe for their tenants, verified by an annual gas safety check. And we get it, there's so much to think about when you decide to manage your own letting rather than using an agent, it can be easy for things to slip through the cracks.
If you're a private landlord who doesn't organise annual gas safety checks, then here's what you need to know:
* All gas safety checks should be carried out by a fully qualified Gas Safe Engineer.
* You must give tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before the engineer visits.
* For current tenants, you must give them a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the inspection.
* For new tenants, you must provide it at the start of their tenancy.
If you are found to be letting a property without a gas safety certificate, then the penalties are hefty - as a criminal offence landlords can be liable for unlimited fines and/or six months of imprisonment (yikes).
So, if you do rent out a property (even to friends and family), make sure you have a gas safety check completed every year and keep yourself and your tenants protected.