What happens when an appliance fails a landlord gas safety check

Practical notes on an appliance failing the safety check

• Immediately dangerous faults are made safe and disconnected with consent on the day
• At risk faults are recorded with the reason but may not stop the appliance running
• A written warning notice is issued whenever a fault of either type is found
• Common faults include leaking joints, blocked condensate traps and flue seal issues
• The safety record can usually be completed once the fault is repaired, without restarting the process

What is actually going on with an appliance failing the safety check

A fault classed immediately dangerous means the appliance is turned off and, with the landlord or occupier's consent, disconnected on the spot, with a warning notice issued explaining why. A fault classed at risk means the appliance can usually keep running for now but the defect and the reason for it are recorded, and it should be repaired without unnecessary delay. In most cases the fault is something ordinary, a leaking joint, a blocked condensate pipe, a poor flue seal or a failed flame supervision device, and it can be quoted and repaired on a short return visit rather than needing a full new survey.

Where we deal with this

• Yatton (BS49) · 15 mi
• Twerton (BA2) · 7 mi
• Trowbridge (BA14) · 10 mi
• Widcombe (BA2) · 8 mi

Questions we get asked

Can the engineer disconnect an appliance without permission?

Consent should be sought from whoever is present, but where there is an immediate danger to life the appliance is made safe regardless, and this is explained clearly at the time.

Do I need a whole new check once the repair is done?

Usually not. Once the specific fault is repaired, that appliance is retested and the record can be completed, rather than repeating every check from scratch.

Is a landlord liable if a fault is found after letting the property?

The duty is to have the checks carried out and to act reasonably once a fault is known about, so prompt repair after a fault is identified is the key protection.