As the colder months approach, the last thing any landlord wants is a burst boiler, a dangerous gas leak or a complaint from a tenant about no heating. Winter is when gas-fired appliances get their hardest workout. That’s why scheduling a comprehensive gas safety check is essential – not just for tenant comfort, but for your legal compliance, peace of mind and property value. 

If you’re a landlord looking around Sheffield (or anywhere in the UK) and thinking about the phrase plumbers in Sheffield, it’s worth noting that engaging a competent, registered engineer in your region is a smart and proactive move. In this blog post we’ll cover exactly what you should check, when, why, and how to pick a reliable service. We speak from experience at Plumbing Network, offering our expertise and authority so you can act confidently. 

Why the pre-winter gas safety check matters 

• When temperatures drop, boilers and gas fires are used more heavily, which can expose latent faults (leaks, blocked flues, poor ventilation) that may not appear during lighter use. 
• Faulty gas appliances and flues can produce carbon monoxide, and there is no smell, taste or warning for occupants.  
• From a legal and regulatory perspective as a landlord you must ensure safety: under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 you have duties for all gas appliances, fittings and flues you provide.  
• Tenant trust and reputation: If your tenants feel confident you’re maintaining the property, they’re more likely to stay and less likely to raise complaints. 
• Financially it is far cheaper to spot a minor issue before winter than deal with a major breakdown, damage or legal claim. 

Legal requirements landlords must know 

Annual check by a registered engineer 

You must arrange for a gas safety check on each appliance and flue that you provide in the property, at least once every 12 months.  

Who must carry out the check 

Only an engineer registered with the official body (often via the Gas Safe Register) can lawfully carry out the check.  

Documentation & certificate 

Once the check is carried out you must receive a gas safety record (sometimes referred to as a CP12) and supply a copy to existing tenants within 28 days. For new tenants you must provide the record before they move in.  

Record-keeping 

Keep the safety records for at least two years so you can demonstrate compliance if required.  

What happens if you don’t comply 

Non-compliance can lead to prosecution, large fines or even imprisonment in serious cases.  

What you should schedule before winter 

Here’s a checklist to help you stay on top of things: 

Pre-check preparation 

• Confirm the dates of your last gas safety check and certificate expiry. 
• Identify all gas-using appliances you provide: boilers, gas fires, cookers, water heaters, flues. 
• Find and confirm tenant access: you need to arrange access for the engineer. If a tenant prevents access, document your attempts. 

The inspection itself 

A competent engineer will examine: 

• Appliance burner pressure, gas rate and combustion quality.  
• Chimneys and flues to ensure they are not obstructed and are safely discharging fumes. 
• Ventilation around appliance rooms to ensure safe combustion. 
• Gas pipework for signs of wear, corrosion or leaks. 
• If required, a tightness test of the installation may be suggested.  

Follow-up actions 

• If any issues are flagged (e.g., “At Risk” or “Immediately Dangerous”), repairs must be carried out before the appliance is used again.  
• Update your record with what’s been done. 
• Provide your tenant with the certificate copy promptly. 
• File the certificate with your property records. 

Value-added checks for winter 

While the legal check is the baseline, it’s wise to include: 

• An annual boiler service (not simply safety test) to maximise efficiency. 
• A carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a gas appliance (recommended by various safety guidance).
• Confirm the property’s heating system is working well (radiators, valves, thermostat) so you don’t hit winter with a cold property. 
• Inspect gas meter area for readability and accessibility. 

Why choosing the right engineer matters – especially in Sheffield 

If your property is in or around Sheffield and you’re searching for “plumbers in Sheffield”, it’s crucial you pick someone who: 

• Is on the Gas Safe Register and shows credentials. 
• Has experience with rental properties and understands landlord responsibilities (not just domestic DIY).
• Offers clear documentation and issues certificates promptly. 
• Provides transparent pricing and identifies what’s included in the inspection. 
• Has good local reputation and reviews (ask for references or check online). 

At Plumbing Network, we have years of experience working with landlords, understand the legalities and can coordinate scheduling with tenants to minimise disruption. That means you get efficient service and confidence that your gas compliance is sorted before winter. 

Common questions & answers 

How soon before winter should I schedule the check?
Aim for late summer or early autumn. That gives you time to fix issues before cold weather hits. 

Can I delay the check if the last one was just a few months ago?
As long as the previous check was within 12 months and you’re not putting tenants at risk, it’s fine – but it’s safer not to delay. 

Do tenants have to pay for it?
No. It is your landlord responsibility to pay and arrange the check.  

What if a tenant refuses access?
You must show you took ‘reasonable steps’ to arrange access and document attempts.  

Does the certificate guarantee the appliance never fails?
No. It confirms safety at the time of inspection. Maintenance and proper use remain essential. 

Can the engineer carry out a full service at the same time?
Yes, and it’s good practice. Ask if the check can be combined with a service to maximise value. 

FAQs & “How to” questions You May have. 

How to choose a qualified gas safety engineer?
Choose someone listed on the Gas Safe Register, check their engineer ID-card, ask if they’ve worked with landlords/rented properties, and request a quote for the check including certificate. 

How to prepare your property for the gas safety inspection?
Ensure all gas appliances are accessible, vents aren’t blocked, tile or floor space is clear, inform the tenant what will happen and allow adequate time for the engineer. 

What happens if the gas safety certificate expires and the next inspection is overdue?
You would be in breach of the regulations. That may affect your insurance, your ability to serve certain eviction notices and expose you to legal risk.  

How to align inspections for multiple properties?
Keep a calendar for each property, group appointments where practical (especially if you use the same engineer), and aim to schedule checks a few months before winter starts. 

How to handle a failing appliance discovered during the check?
Ask the engineer for a detailed fault description, get a quote for repair, prioritise safety-critical work, keep tenant informed and keep a record of the remedial work done. 

How to maintain good tenant communication about gas safety?
Send tenants a letter/email explaining you’re scheduling the check, why it matters for their safety, what they should expect on the day and how long it might take. Make it clear when and why you need access. 

How to use plumbers in Sheffield as part of your maintenance strategy?
Once-annual gas safety checks are essential but a local plumber can also help with ongoing heating system maintenance. Search plumbers in Sheffield to review local companies who offer both gas-safe inspections and broader heating servicing, making it easier to bundle maintenance work. 

Conclusion 

Winter is coming. For landlords it means more heating, more wear on gas systems and more potential for things to go wrong. By scheduling your gas safety check now – from the expert team at Plumbing Network or another reputable local provider – you’re doing more than ticking a box. You’re protecting your tenants, protecting your property, and protecting your reputation.
If you’d like help finding trusted plumbers in Sheffield, or you’d like us to arrange a gas safety inspection, drop us a line.

Let’s get ahead of winter together.