We check on gas safety at all of our tenants' homes, once a year. We test all council-owned gas appliances, flues and pipework.

We’ll contact you to work out a good time for our engineer to visit. This can be on the weekend or in the evenings if that is a better time for you. 

It’s important you keep the appointment. If you cannot keep the appointment, let us know as soon as you can so we can work out a new appointment time.

We have to check the gas system once a year, by law. If you don't let us carry it out, you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement. We may have to take legal action against you. 

Gas dangers

Make sure that you know about the dangers of gas leaks and broken equipment. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning

If you have been poisoned by carbon monoxide, you may feel:

• drowsy
• pain in your chest
• pain or sickness in your stomach

If these symptoms come on suddenly when you’re using a gas appliance you should switch off the gas and seek medical advice. Carbon monoxide detectors will warn you of any leaks.

Gas leaks

What you should do if you smell gas or think you have a leak:

• switch off all gas appliances
• open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate
• do not use anything that has a naked flame or could cause a spark
• call the emergency gas team on 0800 111 999
• if you’re calling on a mobile phone, make sure you are outside the property
• be available to let the team in – they'll be with you within the hour

Unusual changes in your gas appliances

If you notice these changes in your gas appliances, there may be a problem:

• flames burning yellow or orange instead of blue
• soot stains on walls or ceilings above an appliance
• lots of condensation

If you spot any of these changes, call our building maintenance gas team on 0800 0281 870 for advice.

The Gas Safe Register

Check that your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register before they start work. Our gas engineers are all registered.

If you use a private gas engineer to work on appliances that are not owned by us, make sure they’re on the Gas Safe Register too. Make a note of the licence number from their Gas SFE ID card and keep any receipts or documents they give you.

When your engineer arrives, they should show you their official Gas Safe ID card before starting work in your home.

Call Gas Safe on 0800 408 5500 or check the Gas Safe website to find registered engineers working in your area.

What to look for on a Gas Safe ID card

The front of each Gas Safe ID card should have a:

• photo
• start date and expiry date
• licence number
• security hologram

The back of the card should include information on:

• the kind of work the engineer is qualified to do, such as cooker, boiler or gas fire maintenance
• their qualifications

Engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register to legally perform gas work. If you think a gas fitter is working without a proper licence, use the online service to report an illegal gas fitter.