Recent findings highlight the need for tenants to ask important questions before they move into property.
Worrying statistics about gas safety certificates show that –
- 18 people died and 310 were injured in the UK in 2009 from gas leaks, fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and explosions.
- 36% of tenants have out of date gas safety certificates.
- 26% of tenants have never been given a gas safety certificate
Sources: Spareroom.co.uk and Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
A recent prosecution of a landlord in Sheffield shows that the HSE is hot on the case of landlords who do not supply safety certificates. As punishment for ignoring various reminders and failing to comply with safety regulations Mr Ikram was given a £350 fine and ordered to pay £750 in costs.
After the hearing HSE inspector Steve Kay said,
“Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill, and it’s completely unacceptable that Mr Ikram chose to put others at risk – especially as he had ample opportunity to comply with the Improvement Notice. Today’s prosecution shows that we can and will prosecute landlords who neglect their health and safety responsibilities, and we hope it serves as a warning to others.”
Stephen Murray, Property Manager at Pinkerton Murray comments: “Tenants need to be aware that it is a legal requirement for landlords to perform a gas safety check every 12 months. A landlord must provide tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate to prove the check has been carried out.”
According to Pinkerton Murray renting direct from a landlord can seem cheaper however it isn’t always and sometimes it is downright dangerous.
Comments Stephen Murray: “The simplest and safest route to peace of mind over safety is to rent a property via a reputable letting agent. Agents have to adhere to a code that obliges them to ensure all the correct safety certificates are in place before you move into the property. Never accept a landlord telling you that safety certificates will follow on. You must see the paperwork before you move in.
Ask to rent ‘Managed’ property from Pinkerton Murray
If you rent a property that is managed by a Managing Agent repairs are professionally managed. Some landlords opt for a ‘Let Only’ service which means the letting agent only ‘introduces the tenant’. Thereafter the landlord is the contact for the tenant.
With ‘Managed Property’ rentals, the tenants report any repair issues to the letting agent. The landlord is still responsible but the letting agent helps oil the wheels.
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