When you collect your keys and sign your tenancy we will help you to find who your gas supplier is and how to contact them. You can also get information from the National Grid on 0870 608 1524.

You will then need to:

Your supplier will give you a date when the gas will be reconnected. Call Harvest Response on LoCall 0345 345 0272 with this date and we will arrange for an engineer to visit you. They will also carry out a safety check. You will not have gas until they have visited.

If you want to install a gas fire, you must get our permission first. The installation must be done by a CORGI-registered engineer and you will need to send us a copy of the CP12 safety certificate once it is fitted. Please note that we will do the annual safety checks on your new fire but we are not responsible for the cost of any repairs or maintenance needed. You must call us to discuss installing the fire before you start any work.

Fitting a gas cooker doesn't need our permission but you should get a Gas Safe registered person to do the work.

Annual gas safety checks

Your safety is our main concern and we do everything we can to ensure your safety, but we do need your help and co-operation. On average 30 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. This is usually caused by gas appliances and flues not being properly installed or maintained.

As your landlord we must by law - Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 - ensure there is an annual service and safety chaeck on all gas-fired appliances we own, such as gas fires, boilers, warm-air units and water heaters. This work must be done once every 12 months.

You must allow us access to your home to do these safety checks on all the appliances and flues we provide for your use. For your own safety, it is vital that you fully co-operate with us. To make it as convenient as possible for you, we will write to tell you that the annual service is due. The appointed contractor will write to you advising you of the date and time of the safety check appointment. If this isn't convenient, you can contact them to arrange another appointment.  If you prefer we can also arrange for the service to be carried out by someone of the same sex as you.

What happens if I refuse access?

You must not refuse your annual gas service, as it is a requirement of your tenancy agreement. If you refuse access, we have a formal and robust procedure to gain entry to your home.

You will get a series of written warnings saying that you must allow us access and that you are putting yourself and others in danger. If you do not allow us access we may serve a 'Notice Of Seeking Possession' on you, which could mean you lose your home. You could end up with a prison sentence, fine or both.
Any legal costs we incur during this will be your responsibility to pay.

Gas safety

If you smell gas ACT IMMEDIATELY. Follow these simple steps:

Phone the Gas Emergency Service to report the escape on 0800 111 999. Make sure you leave the area around the house before using your mobile phone.

For more advice about gas leaks, what to do if you smell gas and how the gas emergency service works, go to the National Grid website www.nationalgrid.co.uk

Other Precautions

Never use a gas appliance if you think it is not working properly. Signs to look out for include yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which do not display flames of those colours), soot or stains around the appliance, and pilot lights that often blow out.