This section explains what you need to do with your gas supply when you move into your new home and how we help keep you safe with our annual gas safety checks. There are also gas safety tips.

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 that have not been properly installed or maintained.

As your landlord, we must by law ensure there is an annual service and safety check on all gas-fired appliances we own, such as gas fires, boilers, warm-air units and water heaters. This work should be done once within 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 own safety, your full co-operation with this is vital. To ensure this is as convenient for you as it can be, the service engineer will contact you directly with an appointment. If this isn’t convenient, you can contact them to arrange another date and time.

If you do not allow us access to do this check, it is a breach of the conditions of your agreement. We will take action to gain access to, or retake possession of your home – this could mean you lose your home. You will have to pay our legal costs.

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

You don’t need our permission to fit a gas cooker, but you should get a Gas Safe registered person to do the work.

If you smell gas TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION by following these simple steps:

• Put out all naked flames and cigarettes immediately.
• Do not switch on any appliances, lights, door bells or mobile phones.
• Open all doors and windows and keep them open until the escape is stopped.
• Check to see if your gas tap, fire or cooker has been turned on accidentally.
• Check to see if any pilot lights have gone out.
• Turn off the gas supply – in most homes or properties the gas lever is next to the gas meter.
• Leave the property and calmly tell your neighbours about the problem.

Phone National Grid to report the escape on 0800 111 999

Make sure you leave the area 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.

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 display those colour flames), soot or stains around the appliance, and pilot lights that often blow out.

• Never cover an appliance or block the convection air vents.
• Never block or obstruct any fixed ventilation grilles or air bricks.
• Never block or cover outside flues.

Carbon monoxide alarms are a useful precaution but do NOT regard them as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas equipment by a Gas Safe registered installer. If you decide to buy a carbon monoxide alarm, ensure it meets current safety standards (BS7860 or BS EN

50291) and carries the kite mark. If in doubt, ask a member of staff for advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions.