For landlords across London, ensuring gas safety in rental properties is not just a best practice—it's a legal requirement. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 mandates annual inspections, but many landlords unknowingly fall into avoidable traps.
At Citywide Plumbers, we’ve worked with countless landlords and witnessed first-hand the common errors that can lead to non-compliance, tenant risk, or even legal action. Here are the top 5 mistakes landlords make regarding gas safety checks—and how to avoid them.
1. Missing the Annual Inspection Deadline
Perhaps the most common and dangerous mistake is allowing the Gas Safety Certificate to expire. Landlords must renew the certificate every 12 months. Letting it lapse—even by a day—places you in breach of the law and could invalidate landlord insurance.
Avoid it: Book your inspection early with Citywide Plumbers. We offer reminder services so you're never caught off-guard.
2. Not Checking All Gas Appliances
Some landlords mistakenly believe that only the boiler requires checking. In truth, all gas appliances in the rental property must be inspected—including cookers, gas fires, and any secondary boilers or heaters.
Avoid it: Our engineers at Citywide Plumbers carry out full property gas inspections, covering every appliance connected to the gas supply.
3. Failing to Provide Tenants with the Certificate
According to UK regulations, you must give tenants a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the inspection or before they move in. Not doing so could result in hefty fines and make it difficult to regain possession of your property under Section 21 rules.
Avoid it: We issue certificates digitally for instant access and can email you and your tenants directly.
4. Using Non-Registered Engineers
Only Gas Safe Registered engineers are legally allowed to carry out gas safety checks in rental properties. Hiring unqualified individuals not only invalidates your certificate but poses serious safety risks.
Avoid it: All engineers at Citywide Plumbers are fully registered with Gas Safe, offering peace of mind and full legal compliance.
5. Ignoring Tenant Reports About Gas Issues
Some landlords overlook tenant complaints about smells, strange noises, or heating problems. This could be a warning sign of a serious gas fault. Ignoring it might not only breach your responsibilities—it could endanger lives.
Avoid it: Citywide Plumbers offers rapid response inspections. If a tenant raises a concern, contact us immediately for an emergency visit.
Stay Compliant with Citywide Plumbers
We understand the pressure landlords face. Our team is here to help you maintain full compliance without the stress. With years of experience and thousands of inspections under our belt, we’re trusted by landlords across London.
Gas Safe Registered
Transparent pricing
Fast bookings
Digital certificate delivery
Emergency call-outs available
Book Now for Total Peace of Mind
Call 02038928545 or email info@citywideplumbers.co.uk today to schedule your inspection. For more details on our services, visit citywideplumbers.co.uk.