One in Ten at Risk of Gas Leak

May 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Research commissioned by Shelter and British Gas questioned more than 4,300 private renters in England and found that one in ten - the equivalent of nearly one million people - said that in the last year their letting agent or landlord had failed to ensure a gas safety check was carried out in their home.

By law, an annual gas safety check and certificate is required and is the legal responsibility of the landlord.  

Chellenka Davis, Lettings Manager at Bournecoast said: “Gas safety checks pick up a range of problems - including faulty boilers - so are vital in helping to prevent gas leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which can kill.  Landlords who fail to meet gas safety regulations in the homes they rent out stand to face fines and even imprisonment in the most serious cases of neglect.”

Despite being a legal requirement, a separate survey of landlords by the two organisations found that one in seven (15%) landlords are unaware of their legal responsibility to ensure that their properties have an annual gas safety check and certificate.

One example of a woman and her 11 year old daughter highlighted the plight of unethical landlords.  

The woman is reported to have said; "It's really horrible not to feel safe in your own home.  We had several gas leaks before we finally got a gas safety certificate, and now I'm having to fight all over again for the next one. I worry especially about the impact on my daughter. This is not a nice way to have to live or to bring up a child."

Chellenka added, "It's unbelievable to think that thousands of households across the Country are at risk because a simple safety check has not taken place. For households with children, this is an even bigger concern.  Renters have a right to know that the property they are living in is safe.

It is vital that renters are aware of the need to get an annual gas safety check, which is where a reputable agent would ensure the legal requirements are met . Landlords need to know that gas safety is not optional and failing to obtain a gas safety certificate not only puts lives at risk, it is breaking the law."

There are simple checks people can also do themselves to ensure their family’s safety.  Looking for signs of staining, sooting or discolouration on or around, your gas boiler, fire or water heater; avoid blocking vents in doors, walls and windows; ensure your chimney doesn’t become blocked and get these swept regularly; checking pilot lights and other gas flames to ensure they burn blue.  These are all simple tests that can be done to help protect your home and everyone in it.

Bournecoast take their management very seriously and advise their landlords of all legal obligations.  If a landlord appoints Bournecoast to manage their properties, these requirements and others are automatically addressed.

So, whether you’re a responsible landlord looking for a reliable agent, or a tenant looking for a safe environment in which to live, contact the friendly Bournecoast team for free, impartial advice on 01202 437888 or visit www.bournecoast.co.uk.  

ENDS

Words – 545

Image Caption : Chellenka Davis, Lettings Manager

Further Information:

In 2010 Bournecoast celebrated it’s 50th anniversary and has been family run since it’s inception when it was established by Major & June Webb in 1960.  Keith Simmons MBE, the previous managing director and Major Webb’s son-in-law, was then joined by his son and daughters, Des Simmons, Veronica Strongman and Anita Smith, who now run the company with a team of eighteen staff.

Bournecoast Property Agents have extended their skill base within the ever changing property market and deal with providing self catering holiday accommodation, high quality short term lets (for example to tenants), long term lets and are also an estate agency for people wishing to buy or sell their property locally.

Over the past 50 years Bournecoast has invested in a skilled workforce, ensuring each member of the team enjoys dealing with people and property whilst ensuring their knowledge of the whole property market is second to none, providing advantage over most local agents.

Issued by:

Alex Eaton

Marketing Manager

Bournecoast

alex@bournecoast.co.uk

01202 437888