What's the worst that could happen?
If the gas appliances in your home are unsafe you could be at risk of fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.

	Carbon monoxide gas is invisible and has no smell. It is very poisonous and can kill quickly. If you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning you might have symptoms such as headaches, nausea, chest pains, sudden faintness, erratic behaviour, diarrhoea or stomach pains.
	There is no legal requirement for your landlord to install carbon monoxide detectors, but you can ask your landlord to provide them. If your landlord does not provide these items, it may be worth considering fitting them yourself. You can buy them from hardware shops and they are fairly inexpensive.

What should I do in an emergency?
If you think there is a gas leak in your building, call the gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999. Your gas supplier will disconnect the gas supply or appliance if it is unsafe or the risk is too great.

You should also get advice from a housing aid centre, a citizens advice bureau, your local council or other local advice centre as soon as possible. Use the Advice Services Directory to find agencies in your area.

What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
You have a legal responsibility not to use appliances that you know or suspect to be unsafe. If there is a gas leak you should try and prevent any further escapes of gas for example by turning off the gas supply to the accommodation. You should also report any gas leaks to the gas supplier immediately.

What responsibilities does my landlord have?
All private landlords have to have a valid CORGI gas safety certificate for all the gas equipment in the accommodation they rent out. Gas safety certificates can only be given by CORGI registered gas engineers and are valid for 12 months. In order to give a gas safety certificate the engineer has to check:

	the gas supply
	gas appliances
	gas flues
	ventilation
	Landlords must keep copies of the inspection report and certificate and should keep records of any works carried out. You can ask for a copy. If the gas engineer notices any problems the landlord has to fix them. If a landlord fails to do this or fails to provide a gas safety certificate it is a criminal offence. The Health and Safety Executive can prosecute.
	If the gas engineer identifies any problems with the gas equipment, the landlord has to get a CORGI registered gas engineer to carry out the works required. The gas engineer has the power to seal off any faulty equipment or request the gas company to cut off the supply to the property.

What about new gas appliances?
All new gas appliances provided since 1998 in bedrooms, bedsits, bathrooms, or shower rooms have to be 'room sealed'. This means that the gas burning system is sealed off from the room. New appliances must also be fitted by registered CORGI gas engineers.

What if my landlord doesn't comply?
If your landlord does not have a valid gas safety certificate, or does not do works required, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the power to prosecute. Failure to follow gas safety requirements is a criminal offence and can be punished by fines or imprisonment.

If you live in a house or flat that is occupied by more than one household (a house in multiple occupation), your local council also has powers to ensure that your landlord complies with the rules on gas and fire safety. If you want the council to take action, get advice immediately.

How can I minimise the risks?
There are things that you can do to minimise risks to you in your home, such as:

	report and faulty equipment or problems to your landlord immediately
	make sure that smoke alarms are fitted and in working order
	use carbon monoxide detectors
	plan what to do in case of fire and be aware of all escape routes
	make sure that exit routes are clear
	keep electrical and gas appliances in good condition ask your landlord to give you a copy of the gas safety certificate
	if you suspect there is a gas leak, contact the gas supplier immediately.