Gas safety checks in council homes
The Council will carry out a gas safety check every year on all properties that have a gas supply, even if the gas isn't currently being used.
What the check includes
- Testing of any gas appliances owned by tenants (except for their own cookers).
- If an appliance is found to be faulty, it will be either stopped from working (isolated) or completely disconnected, depending on how serious the problem is.
- Tenants will receive a warning notice and advice explaining why their appliance is unsafe.
Properties with capped gas supplies
- If your gas supply was capped (turned off) at your request during a previous safety check, we will still check it every year. This is to make sure it hasn't been turned back on without us knowing.
- At the same time, we will also check on your well-being and see if lack of gas heating is causing any problems with your property.
Properties without a gas meter
- If your property doesn't have a gas meter but still has a live gas supply that has been capped at the emergency control valve (ECV), we will carry out a visual check each year.
Why are gas checks important?
Gas safety checks are vital for preventing serious dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, and explosions. Regular checks make sure your gas appliances work safely and efficiently, which greatly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide. These checks also help find and fix any potential problems before they become dangerous.
Shared flues and chimneys
If a flue or chimney is shared with your neighbour, it is important that you and your neighbour work together to ensure you both get your gas appliances checked each year to keep both households safe.
Who does the gas checks in Council houses?
By law, gas appliances in your home must be checked by a qualified engineer every year. Council engineers will visit your home annually to carry out these checks.
Procedures for access
Appointment letters are sent to residents about two months before their gas safety check. Tenants are advised to refer to the letter for instructions on how to reschedule if the appointment date is not convenient. The new appointment will be confirmed with another letter.
Following three consecutive failed access attempts, legal remedies available within the terms of the tenancy agreement may be enforced to gain access to the property to carry out the work.
Where vulnerabilities are known or identified, the Council will ensure the wellbeing of the tenant is safeguarded and work with other agencies and Housing Officers to address the root cause of the access issue.
Alarm Systems
We install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
