Gas safety checks

Gas safety checks are carried out every year to make sure the gas appliances, pipework and flues in your home are safe and working correctly.

These checks help keep you, your household and your neighbours safe. They also help make sure your boiler is working safely and efficiently, which can help prevent wasted energy and avoid unnecessary costs on your bills.

As part of your tenancy agreement, you must allow access into your home so we can carry out these checks.

What happens during a gas safety check?

A qualified gas engineer from Sure Maintenance will visit your home to complete the check on our behalf.

They will need access to your boiler, gas meter and any gas appliances that belong to Cobalt Housing. They may also need to check pipework, flues, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

During the visit, the engineer will check that everything is working safely and will let you know if any follow-up work is needed.

If you do not have a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector in your home, Sure Maintenance will fit battery-operated ones. We have a legal responsibility to make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in all our properties.

How often are the checks carried out?

We must carry out your gas safety check once a year.

How long will it take?

Gas safety checks usually take around 45 minutes, depending on your home and the appliances that need to be checked.

How to get ready for your appointment

Before we arrive, please make sure:

• Someone aged 18 or over is at home
• The engineer can access your boiler, gas meter and gas appliances
• Areas around your boiler and appliances are clear, where possible
• Pets are kept safely away while the check is being completed

What if I don’t allow access for the check?

It is part of your tenancy agreement that you must allow us access to carry out your gas safety check and to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly.

If you do not allow access, you could be putting yourself, your household, visitors to your home and your neighbours at risk.

We will always try to work with you to arrange a suitable appointment. However, if we are unable to access your home, we may need to take legal action to complete the check.

After your gas safety check

You will receive a copy of your gas safety certificate, also known as an LGSR, within 28 days of the safety check being completed.

If everything is safe, no further action is needed.

If any issues are found, the engineer will explain what happens next.

What should I do if I smell gas or my carbon monoxide alarm activates?

If you smell gas, turn off your gas supply at the mains immediately. Switch off all appliances, open windows and doors and go outside.

Do not light a match or lighter, use mobile phones inside your home, turn on any lights or use electrical switches.

Contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Once you have called them, please contact us on 0330 303 2222..