Two landlord brothers in Dudley have been fined almost £3k after failing to provide a gas safety certificate to their tenants for eight years.
The local Health and Safety Executive investigated the brothers after
the council could find no record of their property having a gas safety
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record, despite the fact that tenants were in occupation. When the tenants in residence were interviewed, they confirmed that they had never been given a gas safety certificate during their five-year tenancy.
Dangerous Appliances
As well as failing to keep a gas safety record, the two landlords were
also found guilty of continuing to provide two potentially dangerous gas
fires to their tenants. It transpired that both gas fires had been
previously condemned by the National Grid after a safety inspection
following a report of a suspicious gas smell.
HSE Warning to Landlords
In a statement made after the court hearing, the local HSE inspector was
keen to remind other landlords that putting tenants’ lives at risk is
not an acceptable practice.
“It is essential landlords have gas appliances inspected annually. Well-
maintained appliances reduce the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and
dangerous gas leaks. Gas safety records are a legal requirement and give
tenants the peace of mind they deserve when it comes to the safety of
the appliances in their homes. Landlords who fail to have their gas
appliances checked annually will be investigated by the Health and
Safety Executive and action will be taken where necessary.”
So if you are a landlord, make sure you maintain up-to-date gas safety
records at all times.