Gas Servicing
Gas safety checks in council homes - keeping tenants safe
Bassetlaw District Council will carry out a gas safety check every year on all properties that have a gas supply, even if the gas isn't currently being used.
What the check includes
- Safety check of all gas appliances and a visual safety check on tenant’s own gas cookers
- If an appliance is found to be faulty, it will be either stopped from working (isolated) or completely disconnected, depending on how serious the problem is
- Tenants will receive a warning notice and advice explaining why their appliance is unsafe.
- In the case of a defective gas boiler, we will quickly arrange for a new replacement
Properties with Previously capped gas supplies
- If your gas supply was capped (turned off) at your request during a previous safety check, we will still check it every year. This is to make sure it hasn't been turned back on without us knowing and to ensure a satisfactory tightness test.
- At the same time, we will also check on your well-being and see if lack of gas heating is causing any problems with your property such as condensation, damp and mould.
Properties without a gas meter
- If your property doesn't have a gas meter but still has a live gas supply that has been capped at the emergency control valve (ECV), we will carry out a visual check each year and ensure no gas leaks are taking place.
Why are gas checks important?
Gas safety checks are vital for preventing serious dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, and explosions. Regular checks make sure your gas appliances work safely and efficiently, which greatly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide. These checks also help find and fix any potential problems before they become dangerous.
Who does the gas checks in Council houses?
By law, gas appliances in your home must be checked by a qualified engineer every year. Council engineers or approved Gas Safe contractors will visit your home annually to carry out these checks.
Procedures for access
Appointments are offered Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm. However, in special circumstances an alternative appointment may be agreed.
Appointment letters are sent to residents about two months before their gas safety check. Tenants are advised to refer to the letter for instructions on how to reschedule if the appointment date is not convenient - The new appointment will be confirmed with another letter.
Following three consecutive failed access attempts, legal remedies available within the terms of the tenancy agreement will be enforced to gain access to the property to carry out the work in the form of a court order to force entry to your property by changing door locks if necessary.
If a court warrant forced access take place to your property directly because you did not allow access – The council will recharge you the costs of £380.00 each year that access is denied.
Where vulnerabilities are known or identified, the Council will ensure the wellbeing of the tenant is safeguarded and work with other agencies and Housing Officers to address the root cause of the access issue and provide agreed solutions for future access to carry out gas safety and electrical checks.
Alarm Systems
We install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022. These checks are carried out at the same time of you gas safety check.
Duration of Works
The total duration of the gas safety check and smoke, CO alarm checks is usually less than 30 minutes. We generally offer an AM or PM appointment however, we can give a more specific time in special circumstances.
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