MOT-Style Flexibility for Landlord Gas Safety Checks

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has long called for this change, and following a consultation on the issue last year the Health & Safety Executive has now confirmed the amendments to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GISUR).

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 will come into force on 6 April 2018. This MOT-style change will allow landlords to carry out their annual gas safety check in the two months before the due date and retain the existing expiry date.

For example, if your gas safety check is due 15th May, but it is carried out on the preceding 29th of April, the new certificate will retain the 15th May expiry date and there will be no foreshortening of the inspection period.

This avoids landlords waiting until the last minute and not gaining access, or having to shorten the annual cycle check to comply with the law. There is no change to the legal requirement for an annual gas safety check or for maintenance to be carried out.
The current legislation will continue to apply up to and including 5 April 2018, along with the Approved Code of Practice and guidance supporting it. The changes will not relax regulatory requirements or reduce safety standards.

Landlords must ensure that an annual gas safety check is carried out within 12 months of the installation of a new appliance or flue which they provide and annually thereafter by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. A record must be kept of the safety check for 2 years and a copy of the certificate given to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and a copy isued to any new tenants before they move in.

The Health & Safety Executive haspublished a draft copy of the updated Approved Code of Practice and guidance which will apply from 6th April 2018, if approved by Parliament.