Warning for all landlords - Gas Safety

TheWanderer · 10th September 2010, 01:52 PM

Had a worrying call from the agent who is looking after the rental of my flat. The carbon monoxide alarm went off yesterday, at that point the tenant called the agent who advised to open all windows etc. There has been an engineer out to the flat who has condemned the boiler, and has quoted to get the whole thing replaced.

Although i have a valid CP12 certificate (issued 27/10/09) stating the device is safe to use, although there are a few NCS's, i was always planning on changing the boiler to a newer combi when i had the money available.

My worry is that the tenant (5 month pregnant) and her partner have complained of side effects and are currently at the hospital getting checked out, i dont think i could have done anymore than what i have by getting the CP12 done and fitting a carbon monoxide alarm, but i'm really concerned it may have damaged the tenant, her partner or the unborn child.

Hopefully the alarm and her quick actions have saved her them from permanent damage, but it really does highlight how dangerous not getting a properly functioning gas appliance can be, and even though i've done things, as far as i'm aware, by the book, it's really scared me to think it could have been so much more serious.

I have told the agent to get the boiler replaced ASAP, although the tenant doesnt want anyone to access the flat whilst they are not in (still at hospital), so i cant get it done at the moment and am waiting contact back from agent.

So if you are a landlord, and i know a few on here are, DO NOT take your Gas Safety lightly, make sure you have the correct alarms and make sure the CP12 is done every 12 months!!!!

PTR · 10th September 2010, 02:32 PM

Sounds like you've done everything you can:

Saftey Certs
CO2 Alarm
Offer to repalce boiler immediately

TheWanderer · 10th September 2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTR

Sounds like you've done everything you can:

Saftey Certs
CO2 Alarm
Offer to repalce boiler immediately

I believe i have, i just cant help get a sickly feeling when i think what could have happened.

Especially as the boiler is in a room where my daughter used to sleep when i lived in the property!

PTR · 10th September 2010, 03:27 PM

I've just bought 4 of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/i...F8&s=diy&img=1

RestlessNatives · 10th September 2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTR

I've just bought 4 of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/i...F8&s=diy&img=1

I've found that a cheaper and quicker way to check for gas is to light a match as you enter the house.

To the OP. Seems like you have done more than most landlords would.

TheWanderer · 10th September 2010, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RestlessNatives

To the OP. Seems like you have done more than most landlords would.

However knowing the current no-win-no-fee mentality i'll be expecting a letter drop onto my doorstep at some point from a solicitor for compensastion/damages.

However with my CP12 and my CO alarms, i've hopefully fully satisfied my duty of care towards the tenants.

But 1st priority is to make the place safe, and hopefully they've not had any permanant damage.

yorkyexile · 10th September 2010, 04:48 PM

you do realise that the CP12 is like an mot and its only valid until the engineer leaves the house? all it does is state that the appliance/installation was sound at that moment of inspection.
Youve done all you can by having it checked and providing alarms etc to ensure against appliance failure but its something that can happen anytime to be honest. Has the engineer said whats failed like?take it its a room sealed boiler so im guessing its a flue problem

pierrot · 10th September 2010, 05:39 PM

You've done all you can mate, dont worry.
It may not necessarily have been your boiler, we just recently had a case of migration from an adjoining property, similar thing CO alarm going off but on inspection the boiler was only 18 months old, after a lot of investigating found the problem was coming from a dodgy gas fire flue at the house next door which wasnt our responsibility, we are waiting still to find out whether the homeowner will be prosecuted for failing to maintain his gas appliances and flues in a safe condition. the HSE will as usual probably hum and ha and because its a home owner and not some dodgy industrial or commercial premises do anything.

yorkyexile · 10th September 2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierrot

You've done all you can mate, dont worry.
It may not necessarily have been your boiler, we just recently had a case of migration from an adjoining property, similar thing CO alarm going off but on inspection the boiler was only 18 months old, after a lot of investigating found the problem was coming from a dodgy gas fire flue at the house next door which wasnt our responsibility, we are waiting still to find out whether the homeowner will be prosecuted for failing to maintain his gas appliances and flues in a safe condition. the HSE will as usual probably hum and ha and because its a home owner and not some dodgy industrial or commercial premises do anything.

thats the thing with gas safe and hse, homeowners are more or less bulletproof

pierrot · 10th September 2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RestlessNatives

I've found that a cheaper and quicker way to check for gas is to light a match as you enter the house.

To the OP. Seems like you have done more than most landlords would.

its a common misconception that gas will poison you it wont it just goes BANG, what will poison you though is the products of gas combustion, much the same as car exhaust fumes, which is why you need to get your appliances checked on a regular basis, just because you cant smell gas doesnt mean they arent poisoning you.